The following is taken from Tom Dinger's obituary. Reading about the interesting life of one of the quieter and more unassuming members of our class inspired the idea of doing Awesome 69er pages of other class members. The idea is to get to know about how people have spent their lives and their accomplishments - however they themselves define them. Tom's obit makes you wish you'd known him. Everyone has a story, large and small. As we and our friends age we begin to see life from one end to the other, the long view. So here's about Tom, and the many ways he spent his precious life.

According to his family and friends, Tom will be remembered for his laid-back demeanor, hard work ethic, caring heart and sharp, witty advice. He was humble, kind, loving, honest and very dependable. Tom gave everything his best effort and paid great attention to details.

You would often find Tom enjoying nature and outside activities like hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, biking and pickleball. He explored many state and national parks across the USA. He also loved to travel and took 25+ cruises to Spain, Italy, Portugal, Mexico and nearly every island in the Caribbean. He was very active physically throughout his whole life. After he retired, he walked five or six miles every day. Not only was he an avid reader, Tom kept his mind sharp solving Sudoku and playing Rummikub.

Tom lived a vibrant and full life. He was born in Dubois, PA on October 21, 1951. He moved around with his family to Oil City, PA., Erie, PA., and finally Ashtabula, OH. In Ashtabula he attended High School, excelled at track team, and graduated class of '69. After High School he started technical school in Cleveland then went on to proudly serve in the United States Marines and was honorably discharged August 1972.

Upon returning home to Ohio, he immediately married his first wife Janice K. Woodburn Dinger in November 1972. They were very much in love. Together they decided to chase their dreams when they moved to Lake Mary, Florida in 1975. This is where Tom learned to scuba dive, sailed his first boat, took his wife and friends on vacations to the Bahamas, and even raised a blue and gold macaw named Bob! Actively accomplishing anything he set his mind to!

Tom decided to set new goals. He worked on landmarks like the Disney Epcot ball, and returned to school where he completed an Carpentry apprenticeship in July 1982. He then started his own company and soon after began work on the home he would raise his family in. Few men can boast about building a home with their own two hands and Tom was one of them.

Professionally, Tom was a skilled Woodworker, who owned and operated Dinger Woodworking for over 30 years. He was exceptional at trim carpentry. Which included installing doors, base boards, and crown molding on homes throughout Central Florida. He was always proud of his work and business employing many friends and family including his son, brother, and nephew.

In 1985, excited to start their own family, Tom and Jan welcomed their son Eric in July and a few years later their daughter Kaley in August 1991. Tom became a wonderful father to his children and loved his family very much. Together they went on cruises, traveled to different timeshares, and made many family trips to Ohio to spend time with his mother, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and all his extended family that he truly adored.

In 2016, Tom lost his first wife, Jan, after 43 years of marriage. Although heartbroken, he was lucky to find love again. He married his second wife, Jenny Parsley Dinger in March of 2019. Together they moved to Palm Coast, FL. There he continued to show off his workmanship and made countless improvements to their new home. Completing his last project, a custom-built fireplace and mantle, in September of 2020. He was happy with Jenny in their beautiful home where he was comfortable and creative.

Palm Coast - Thomas Hugh Dinger passed away on January 13, 2021, Palm Coast, Florida.