Thomas Schanher

SCHANHER, Thomas Frank, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away on May 22, 2024. Thomas, Tommy was born in Springfield, Ohio City Hospital, on July 4, 1949. Tommy was the youngest of three children born into the home of Paul W. Schanher, Jr, MD, and Marcella Paynter Schanher. He was preceded in death by both parents; Paul W. Jr, MD, 2007 and Marcella Schanher in 1998. As a young boy Tommy loved to compete in baseball and golf. An all-around athlete, he excelled at both sports as well as others, but golf was his first love. Tommy and his father, who taught him the basics of golf, played as often as they could. In time Tommy became an excellent golfer, having won the Springfield Country Club golf championships in 1966, 72, and 73; he became one of the youngest to ever win the title. Tommy spent many summers playing softball in leagues and tournaments- he's shared those stories with his daughter Elizabeth many times. In 1976, Tommy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from The Ohio State University. He later applied for and received a job with the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, the site of the prestigious Masters Tournament. His time in Augusta was one of the many highlights of his life and became an avid collector. During his time there he met his golf idol, Arnold Palmer. Mr. Palmer made such a lasting impression on him that he continued to write to him for the remainder of his life, sending him his favorite box of chocolates for his birthday every year. Mr. Palmer graciously responded, often thanking him for the chocolates.

In his professional life, Tommy served as golf course superintendent of the California Golf Course of the Cincinnati Recreation Department. In his spare time, Tommy entered the PGA long driving contest and advanced to the semi-final round in the championships. For many years following, Tommy continued to play golf in a Thursday night league where he built many long lasting friendships. After fulfilling his contract with the golf club, he went on to be a regional Sales manager for several different companies all while still being affiliated with the golf industry. Using his agronomy skills, he served prestigious golf courses in the Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and eastern Indiana territories, with proper expert course management advice as well as products to improve turf and soil for each course. During this time he was watching his only child, Elizabeth, grow up and regularly attended her extracurricular sporting events in Soccer, Softball and Volleyball. In 2009, Tommy retired and moved to Port Orange, Florida to escape to warmer temperatures and to be near his sister, Adele Ginny Wright. After nine years in Florida, he returned home to Cincinnati, Ohio, to spend time with his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Jeremy. He leaves behind to cherish his memory one daughter, Elizabeth Jo and her husband Jeremy Thomas, of Cincinnati. A brother, Paul W. III "Ski" and his wife Cheryl of Springfield and one sister, Adele Virginia "Ginny" Wright and husband Cliff of St. Augustine, Florida; several beloved cousins and nieces and nephews.



A graveside service will be held at Ferncliff Cemetery in Springfield, Ohio, on Thursday, May 30, 2024 for close friends and family, officiated by Pastor Tom Wolverton from Berea Bible Church in Springfield, followed by interment at Ferncliff.