Thomas W. Journell

Thomas W. Journell, Age 80, departed the world on August 8, 2016 amidst the love of his family. He was born on June 20, 1936 in Springfield, OH to his late parents, Wilson T. and Lena (Strickland) Journell. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Marilyn Sue Chamberlain. He is survived by his loving wife and partner in this blessed adventure of life for more than fifty four years, Carol (Taylor) Journell. Survivors also include two wonderful children and their families, daughter, Elizabeth Journell (Rick) and son, Thomas W. Journell, Jr. (Betsy) and their two outstanding sons, Mack and Tate along with brother in law, John W. Taylor III (Judy) and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Tom graduated from Rockway Junior High in 1951and Tecumseh High School in 1954 where he lettered in Basketball, Football and Music. He then received an appointment to General Motors Institute (Kettering University) where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1960. He was employed by Allison Division, GMC as a test engineer until returning to Ohio to enter Hamma Divinity School at Wittenberg University. He then received an appointment to the United States Air Force Officers Training School and served as an Inertial Guidance Systems engineer on the Minuteman Missile until 1965. Upon leaving the military, Tom was employed by Owens Corning Fiberglas Tech Center, Granville, OH as a New Product Development Manager followed by Quality Control Manager of Remington Rand Division of Sperry Rand while attending Capital University Law School. He graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School in 1972 and was admitted to the practice of law by the Ohio Supreme Court in 1973. The family then relocated to Eaton, OH where he opened a law office with his wife Carol as secretary. After court appointed defense successes, he was invited and did serve over six years as Assistant Preble County Prosecutor still continuing his private practice. In 1979, Tom was called upon to become Judge of the Eaton Municipal Court with countywide jurisdiction where he served for twelve years. Upon leaving the bench, he served as Executive Director of the Ohio Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association working with the Ohio State Legislature, Ohio State Racing Commission, and Ohio Thoroughbred race tracks on their behalf until his retirement in 2000 to pursue his passions of golf and wintering on the Gulf coast. Tom has been active in the Lutheran church from a young age serving as acolyte, local and regional Luther League, camper and counselor at Camp Mowana, Sunday school teacher, church councils, and President of congregations. He was also a member of Gideons International for over forty years. He was a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and active in the service organizations of Lions and Rotary. Tom was a 25 year member of the United States Golf Association and served as a member of the Sectional Affairs Committee for five years. A gathering of his family and friends will be held Wednesday from 6-8 PM in the TROSTEL, CHAPMAN, DUNBAR & FRALEY FUNERAL located at 507 W. Jefferson St., New Carlisle, OH, with funeral services on Thursday at 1:00 PM in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens located at 8200 W. National Road, New Carlisle, OH. In lieu of flowers, those who are so inclined may make a contribution to Gideons International, American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.