TOM GASKILL

SPENCERVILLE — Tom J. Gaskill, 80, died at 1:45 p.m. Sept. 1, 2014, in his home with his close family at his side, following a lengthy illness.

He was born Nov. 19, 1933, in Conant to Earl O. and Frances Huber Gaskill Sr., who preceded him in death. On Feb. 26, 1966, he married Virginia "Ginny" Schiffer Binkley, who died Nov. 4, 1986.

Mr. Gaskill served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War from 1952 through 1954 and received a Purple Heart. He retired after 40 years as a buffer at Ohio Decorative Products in Spencerville. He was a life member and past commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772, where he served in its color guard. He was a past commander of the VFW District 2 in 1982 and 1983. He was a past commander and life member of American Legion Post 191 of Spencerville and was a member of the Military Order of the Cootie. He was an avid gardener, enjoying his tomatoes and planting the garden.

Survivors include his cousin and caregiver, Dianne Marston, of Spencerville; other special cousins, Charles and Gina Fox, of Spencerville; a stepgrandson, Brian (Jessica) Binkley, of Spencerville; four brothers, Frank Gaskill, of Lima, Ron (Becky) Gaskill, of St. Marys, Dee (Pat) Gaskill, of Georgia, and Richard (Lila) Gaskill, of Chicago.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Johnnie Gaskill, Homer "Bill" Gaskill, Earl "Fritz" Gaskill and Lewis "Art" Gaskill; and a sister, Helen P. Kill.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home. Pastor Tom Shobe will officiate. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery with military rites by the Spencerville Veterans.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita's Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.