Thomas Sterling

THOMAS E. STERLING, 81, died at 2 p.m. January 5, 2005, at his residence. He was born August 17, 1923, in Lima, Ohio, to James D. and Mildred E. Keller Sterling, who preceded him in death. On September 1, 1956, in Dayton, Ohio he married Peggy J. Fruchey Foland, who survives in Lima, Ohio. Mr. Sterling was a 1941 graduate of Central High School. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946 in the China-Burma-India Theatre. He worked on the Nickel Plate Road, Lima Sohio Refinery, R.G. Dunn Cigar Factory and retired from Superior Wholesale. Survivors also include four sons, Rodney E. (Jenny) Sterling of Wagoner, Oklahoma, Jeffrey L. (Terri) Sterling of Lima, Ohio, Thomas J. (Andra) Sterling of Wagoner, Oklahoma, and Bradley S. (Chris) Sterling of Lima, Ohio; a daughter, Lisa (Loren Burton) Gibson of Lima, Ohio; a brother, James D. (Mary Lou) Sterling; and 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Lee; and a brother, Joseph E. Sterling. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. The Rev. Sandra Liechty will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita's Hospice or the charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.