Tom Rarick

Tom Rarick, 80, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully at his home on Monday, September 06, 2021 following a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.



He was born August 22, 1941 in Bucyrus to the late Jack B. and Maxine E. (Timson) Rarick. His family moved to Cleveland when he was in junior high school and Tom graduated from Brush High School in 1959, where he was a member on the basketball team. After high school Tom briefly attended Kent State University and then in 1962 he enlisted with the Navy and was stationed for a period of time at Kamiseya Naval Base at Kamiseya, Japan. Tom proudly served his country for four years and returned to Bucyrus in 1965 after being discharged. He spent 36 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and worked as a Load Limit Inspector. He enjoyed the assistance and camaraderie of his friend and partner, Tom Reffey.



Tom never shied away from a hard day’s work. In fact, working was his only real hobby. He had mowed lawns and had a newspaper delivery route from the eighth grade. As an adult he continued his love for lawn care, and at one point he and Joyce started Rarick’s Lawn Care as another one of his many “side jobs” offering mowing, landscaping design, landscape maintenance and snow removal services. He loved working on his own yard and helped make a lot of properties look much nicer due to his meticulous care. Tom also helped Joyce operate The Daily Scoop from 1999 to 2018 and was always excited to chat and visit with guests. Many will remember him as “Mr. Basketball” or “Shiny Shoes”, as he spent 44 years of his life refereeing mainly high school basketball and some middle school basketball. He covered games all around the northwestern and central Ohio areas.



Tom loved sharing with others how his family was doing, and he was active in attending activities that involved his grandchildren. Christmas time was special, as every year, they gathered to watch Christmas Vacation and every year, Tom’s distinct laugh was probably heard throughout the neighborhood. He was a huge Buckeye football fan attending many games over the years and enjoyed tailgating outside “The Shoe”. Tom enjoyed his weekly massage and chiropractor appointments and since his recent diagnosis, he positioned himself where he could see pictures of his beautiful family, his yard, and his television, which allowed him to enjoy the most recent Ohio State victory over Minnesota.



Tom was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he was baptized, confirmed, served as a church elder and attended much of his life. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 181, where he often enjoyed breakfast or a beverage and a conversation with friends and fellow veterans.



Tom married Joyce A. (Appelfeller) Webb on May 29, 1993, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Ty (Brenda) Rarick and Tanya (Brian) Reber; their mother, Karen M. Rarick; stepchildren, Stacey Webb and Jamie Webb; grandchildren, Ian Rarick, Braden Rarick, Shania (Aaron Queen) Clingman, Haley (Tyler Morgan) Clingman, Brennen Reber and AJ Webb; great granddaughter, Emileea Marie Morgan and his soon to be great grandson, Gatlin Tommie Queen. Tom is also survived by his stepmom, Mary Poland Rarick; stepbrother, Robert (Ellen) Leonberger; stepsister, Robin (Scott) Franks; five brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law along with a lot of others, including his nieces and nephews who loved Tom dearly. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a sister and her husband, Melinda and Michael Carpenter.



A memorial graveside funeral will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, September 25th at LaRue Cemetery located on St Rt 37, north of LaRue and south of St Rt. 309 in Marion County. Full Military Rites will be provided by both Navy Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.



If desired, donations can be made payable to either the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County. These gifts will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service, who assisted with Tom’s services. Photos and memories are encouraged to be shared on his tribute page.