Thomas Major

Thomas Marion Major went to be with the Lord Sunday, February 17, 2008. Born June 19, 1924 to Marion and Esther Major in Frankfort, Indiana. One of five children: Martha Schaffer, Harry Major and Madge Lund, all deceased. Survived by wife, Merle Marie (Patty) nee Hancock whom he married September 24, 1949, sister Pearl McIntosh of Frankfort, Indiana, children Jeffrey, Vandela and Ann, grandchildren A.J. Mohr, Danny and Kevy Gostlin. Graduated from Frankfort High School, Frankfort, Indiana in 1942. Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942 serving in the South Pacific on Guam, Guadalcanal, Marianas Island and New Hebrides. He was discharged in 1945 and enrolled at Purdue University, graduating with a B.S. degree in civil engineering. Upon graduation he was employed with the Nickel Plate Railroad. Living next to a golf course, he became interested in the sport by caddying and learned to play, shooting in the low 70's by age 25. Became employed with the city of Toledo in Traffic Engineering. He later joined the Ohio Department of Transportation, Division II, and was later promoted Deputy Director under the late Governor James Rhodes. While employed with ODOT, he developed the system of using numerical exit signs on Ohio interstate highways. In Toledo, he became a Master Mason and was raised in Rubicon Lodge No. 237, F&AM, becoming Master in 1965. Other Masonic Bodies: member of Fort Meigs Chapter No. 29, RAM; Grafton M. Achlin Council No.127, R&SM; Lafayette Lyttle Commandery No.77, Knights Templar. He joined the Scottish Rite, Valley of Toledo and presided over Northern Light Council, Princess of Jerusalem, and was coroneted a 330 Mason in 1978. After moving to Colum­bus, he organized and chartered in 1970 the Downtown Columbus High Twelve Club No.453, High Twelve International, with 53 members. He became State President in 1974 and was State Parliamentarian for nearly twenty years. He was presented the 5 Star Award for exceptional service from High Twelve International in 2001 by the International President. Viewing will be at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 3393 Broadway Ave, Grove City on Thursday, February 21, 5-7pm; Masonic service at 7pm. Religious service will follow. Pallbearers: A.J. Mohr, Danny Gostlin, Tony Roberts, Sammy Roberts, Gregg Whitkanack, Kyle Hancock. Burial in Paris, Illinois.