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Thomas A. Goheen, Sr. 70, of Centerville, OH, formerly of Huntington, WV, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2008, at Hospice of Dayton. He is survived by his loving wife, Nena of 48 years; six children, Tom, Jr. of Miami Township, OH., Ronald (Donna) of Marlemont, OH., Tonia Donnini (Richard) of Centerville, OH., Deron (Cathy) of Northville, MI., Tony (Liz) of Kettering. OH. and Brent (Amy) of Centerville, OH; twelve grandchildren: Alex, Samantha, Drew, Ryan, Conner, Dana, Jack, Daniel, Megan, Molly, Luke and Jacob. Tom or Tommy as his family and Friends called him is also survived by two sisters: Patty Gipprich (Walter) and Martha Carlson; six brothers: James (Marsha), John, Charles (Nicolette), Larry (Connie), Daniel (Paulette) and Gale. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Nilda and many nephews and nieces. Tom was born May 31, 1938 to Harry and Esther Goheen, Sr. in Huntington, WV. He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sarah and Mary Ann; four brothers, Billy, Robert, David and Harry, Jr. He was also preceded in death by his twin daughters, Maria Elizabeth and Pamela Jean. Tom is a graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Huntington where he was an excellent student athlete. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, IN., and a Master of Science degree from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Tom was a school administrator for 30 years, retiring from Wayne High School in 1991 as a unit principal. He held various positions during his educational career as teacher, guidance counselor, basketball coach, and athletic director. In 1969, he was hired as the first lay and first male principal of St. Joseph's High School in Wapakoneta, OH. After retiring from education, Tom embarked on a successful career in office furniture sales as the president of the Anchor Group. Tom was also involved in youth baseball, as past president of FKAL in Kettering, as well as trustee and coach. He also enjoyed winning money from his six kids during their weekly "Princewood Palace" Poker Night. During his professional career, he inspired many lives, including those of students, teachers, coaches, athletes and administrators. He loved his family immensely and would do anything for them, as he was a most unselfish and giving man. The same can be said of his relationship with friends, from youth, high school and college days, as well as from his professional career. He was truly a remarkable man who was loved and respected by many. The St. Joseph Central Catholic High School Class of 1956 has set up a Memorial Fund to honor Tom. The fund will be used to start a Memory Garden for all the alumni near the grotto of the Blessed Virgin, with special tribute being given to Tom. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Greater Dayton Cancer Center and Hospice of Dayton for their support and care of our father and husband. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Dayton. Visitations will be Wednesday, October 8, 2008 5-8 PM at Schlientz and Moore Funeral Home in Centerville, OH; and also Friday, October 10, 2008 from 5-8 PM at the Henson Mortuary, Barboursville, WV. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday October 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Monsignor Lawrence Luciana officiating. Burial will follow in Springhill Cemetery, Huntington. Henson Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.hensonmortuary.com.

Tributes

Thomas A. Goheen, Sr.

May 31, 1938 - October 4, 2008