07/15/2024

Obituary for Thomas H. Routsong

Father of Tommy "TR" Routsong, CFSP, Grandfather of Samuel and Maxwell Routsong, all of Routsong Funeral Home

Thomas H. Routsong, age 96, of Oakwood, OH, affectionately known at Routsong Funeral Home as “Mr. R”, peacefully passed away on July 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 9, 1927, in Dayton, OH to the late Carl T. and Blanche (Barr) Routsong.

Tom's journey through life was marked by a profound commitment to learning and service. His educational path led him through Oakwood High School, Class of 1945, and Purdue University in 1950, where he earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. That same year he married his lifelong friend and partner, Martha “Marty” Cruea, and together they enjoyed 56 years of marriage before her death in 2008.

He began his career at Wright-Patterson AFB, nurturing his lifelong love of airplanes. Tom was involved in the development of numerous aircraft and was especially proud to have been part of the team that reverse engineered enemy aircraft at the end of WWII. Throughout his life, he was passionate about engineering, design and technology, culminating in his masterpiece: a house of his own design, affectionately known as “The Tree House”.

Tom joined his father in the funeral business in 1951 and grew the company to three facilities in the Dayton area. Among his proudest accomplishments was the restoration of the Historical Benjamin Robbins home in Centerville, which became the second funeral home. During his 50 plus year career in the funeral industry, he was well known for his kindness and empathy in helping his friends and neighbors. He never stopped trying to improve on ways to help families feel more comforted in their time of need. He was particularly proud of the current location in Kettering, which he designed from the ground up as a funeral home. It is a legacy of integrity and a culture of compassion that he bestowed to the next generations. 

Ill. Brother Routsong 33rd Degree was heavily involved with his beloved Masonic Fraternity and very passionate about his work there. He was mostly known for his part as Hospitaller in the 14th Degree, where he served for many years. He was a member of Far Hills Lodge F&AM (now Dayton Lodge 147) for over 73 years and AASR Valley of Dayton for over 72 years! He received his honorary 33rd Degree September 29, 1982, in St. Louis, MO. Tom was a member of the Antioch Shrine, the Arabic Club, Belmont Chapter OES, founding member and past president of the Far Hills High 12 Club, which was the second largest in Ohio at one time.

In his free time, Tom's interests were vast and varied. He found joy in traveling with his family, exploring every state in the United States, each Canadian province, and traveling to Europe in later years. A lifelong learner, Tom could be found everyday on the computer, reading two or three newspapers and researching a topic before sending his well worded and poignant essays to the editor of the Dayton Daily News. His academic pursuits were a testament to his thirst for knowledge and his love of technology, and in doing so, kept his mind sharp right up until the very end. Everyone knew where to find Tom at the end of the day, fondly known as “wine time”, sipping a glass of sweet wine with his friends. 

Tom’s contributions showcase his commitment to fraternity and community. He was a recipient of the James E. West award from the Miami Valley Boy Scouts of America. As a life member of David's UCC, Tom served as the president of the congregation in 1976. He was also a founding member of the Kettering-Oakwood Exchange Club and Lions Club of Oakwood, where his dedication to community service shone brightly. He was affiliated with the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Belmont Chapter OES, Far Hills Lodge F&AM (now Dayton Lodge 147), and AASR Valley of Dayton, where he received his honorary 33rd degree in 1982. Tom was a member of the Antioch Shrine, the Arabic Club, and a founding member and past president of the Far Hills High 12 Club, which was the second largest in Ohio at one time. 

To know Tom Routsong was to know a true gentleman. He was soft spoken but when he did speak, everyone listened. His opinion was always highly regarded. He was a friend that was second to none. He led by example because he was a servant leader. If you knew Tom Routsong, you are a better person because of him. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; and first wife of 56 years, Martha “Marty” Routsong.

Tom is survived by his wife, Marylou; daughter, Jane House; son Tommy “Tr” (Sinda Jones) Routsong; grandchildren, Samuel (Johanna Hartley) Routsong and Maxwell (Jill Compton) Routsong; stepson, Neil (Trudy) Bierise; grandson, Sean (Margaux) Frazee; nephew, Mark (Gail) Ely; nieces, Marti Ely and Mary (Jim) Pancoast; and many dear friends and extended family.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 2-6pm, with Masonic Services at 6:00pm, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH 45429. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 22, at 10:00am with 33 Degree ring service at Routsong Funeral Home, Kettering. A livestream of the service will be available via Routsong’s YouTube channel. Burial at David’s Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children’s Dyslexia Center of Dayton at: https://www.childrensdyslexiacenters.org/centers/ohio-dayton/, or to the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the many caregivers for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided to Tom.