Thomas B. Fockler

Thomas Brian Fockler was born Jan. 8, 1961 in Wooster, Ohio to Alva Fockler and Mary Yacapraro. He was the youngest of four siblings. He graduated from Wooster High School with the Class of 1980 with a certification in Auto Mechanics awarded by the Wayne County JVS. On Jun. 4, 1991, Tom married Caroline King of Wooster and the couple had two children, Amanda “Renée” (born 1992) and Jennifer (born 1997), before the couple separated circa 2000 and later divorced. Tom primarily dedicated his life to being a father and provider to his daughters, a caregiver to his aging mother with dementia, and more recently, a loving “poppy” to his grandson.

Tom also filled his life with many activities, including talking to his daughters and grandson everyday, teaching his cat new tricks, sending Renée surprise care packages, taking Jen camping in his RV, spending time with the Coffin family at their farm in Loudonville, spending time with his family on holidays and birthdays, taking his daughters to Dave Matthews Band and Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts, discussing firearms with his nephews and friends, researching & building his own custom rifles, tending to his yard and garden, feeding and observing the birds near his home, making plans to renovate his childhood home, drinking margaritas at El Campesino, collecting and sampling new recipes from Pinterest, frequenting local butcher shops and Amish markets, fishing at his brother’s farm, and embarking on long hunting trips with friends.

Tom was found deceased in his home on Tuesday, Sept. 6 after his daughters called Wooster PD to send an officer for a well-check. The request was prompted after two days of unanswered communications. It is believed he passed away from complications related to his 16 years long battle with heart disease. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Mary, his siblings, Earl and Debra, his former spouse, Caroline, and his nephew, Brian. His sister Kathy, 75, of Wooster is the only surviving sibling. Tom lives on through his children, Renée Fockler, 30, of Beaverton, OR and Jennifer Fockler, 25, of Ashland, OH and his grandchild, Xander Oki, 5, child of Renée Fockler and Jason Oki.

Roberts Funeral Home in Wooster is assisting the family with arrangements. A small graveside service will be held Thursday, Sept. 15 at 11 AM at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, and burial will take place immediately after. Those in attendance are welcome to say a few words. All family and friends are welcome to attend. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com.