Thomas Clayton Shepler

REVEREND THOMAS C. SHEPLER On January 1, 2019, at the age of 72, the Lord Jesus Christ called home to Glory His servant Thomas Clayton Shepler. Tom was born and raised in south Toledo before moving to the Rogers High School area. While at Rogers, he was a varsity wrestler and during his senior year was the state AAU wrestling champion, which qualified him to try out for the Olympics. In his thirties, Tom decided to return to school and obtained his Bachelor of Individualized Study (with a concentration in social work) from Lourdes University, then later went on to obtain his Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. For close to 40 years, Tom was an ordained minister through the Association of Fundamental Minsters and Churches. In the 1980s, Tom was an Intake Youth Leader/Licensed Diagnostician at the Maumee Youth Center through the State of Ohio Department of Youth Services. He then was a Treatment Director at Boysville of Michigan. Tom ended his work career as a Vocational Specialist with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. His compassion for others knew no limits. As an ordained minister, Tom married and counseled numerous couples. He was most well-known for his magnificent singing voice, which he used to glorify his Lord and Savior. His voice literally touched thousands of individuals throughout the area. It was always his hope and desire that through his God-given voice that others would feel moved to give their heart to the Lord and Savior he loved so dearly, and find comfort. Tom was also a superior athlete, especially on the softball field. His competitive spirt never diminished, even when playing in church leagues. His diving catches and speed were truly awe-inspiring to watch. But above all else, next to Tom’s love for the Lord, was his deep commitment to his family. No matter the time of day or night, he was a strong and stable presence, always encouraging, always listening, always providing wise counsel and generous with his resources. His sense of humor could brighten the darkest of days. Tom endlessly poured his heart out. Proceeding Tom to Glory were his parents, Clayton and Doris Shepler, and his son, Joshua Shepler. Left to wait for reunification are his wife and soulmate of close to 30 years, Michele Shepler; sons Ted (Alicia) Shepler and Nicholas (Caitlin) Hilgeman; daughter Shannon Shepler; along with grandchildren/great grandchildren Tony, Trae, Elijah, Jazelle, Isabella, Audrina, Zane, and Cali. The family wishes to extend deep-felt gratitude to Lou, Natalie, L.S.S.S., Sue and Nancy, along with the staff of Hospice of NW Ohio and a myriad of other loving relatives and friends. Thank you for being an extension of the Lord’s arm here on earth. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of NW Ohio or Caleb International Ministries. Visitation will be held at the Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday, January 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the service to begin at 1:00 p.m. Please visit walterfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family.