Thomas O. George

Tom was raised in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he met his future wife, Nancy Estes. They were married in 1957, and their union endured for 65 years, until his passing. Tom and Nancy moved to Central Ohio in 1958, where they settled in Worthington and resided for 57 years, and raised their 3 children. Most recently, they resided in Powell. Tom was recently preceded in death by his grandson Drew George, and is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Barbara, son David, daughter-in-law Lora, son Andy, 7 grandchildren and their spouses, and 8 great-grandchildren.

As a young man, Tom served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves. He had a long career in sales, beginning at the Union Co. in Columbus. At the time of this retirement in 2000, he was the Manager of the Map Store in Dublin, where he cultivated his love of travel and geography. Tom was an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church, serving at Worthington Presbyterian, Liberty Presbyterian in Delaware, and Berlin Church in Lewis Center. He instilled a lifelong love of camping, backpacking, sports, downhill skiing, swimming, and outdoor adventuring in his entire family, and traveled extensively throughout the US and abroad. Tom was also an avid birder, with an enviable "life bird list". He was a 20-year member and drummer of the Toll House Jazz Band, with countless appearances with other Dixieland bands internationally. Tom was inducted into the Columbus Senior Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007. He was a founding and lifetime member of the Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society, and it's first President. Tom was a well-read man of broad interests, including world geography, sports, Dixieland Jazz history, and any of his children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's interests and talents. He held and passed on a healthy competitive nature, leading to many lively family gatherings over the years. Tom bravely battled leukemia, setting an admirable example of quiet strength, fortitude, and faith.

Tom will be deeply missed by a host of friends, and his family cherishes the hope of a promised reunion in Glory.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 19th @ 1pm at the Northwest Church of the Nazarene, 5707 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus 43235. Following the service there will be a time of family visitation, fellowship, and music, concluding at 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Tom's name to the Leukemia Research Foundation, the American Red Cross Blood Donation Program, or the Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society (COHJS.org) to aid the promotion and preservation of the great American art form of Dixieland Jazz.