Thomas A. Heydinger passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at the age of 89.
Tom was born in Loudonville, OH on February 12, 1932, the son of the late Alphonse and Dana (Borchers) Heydinger. As a young child, he moved to Logan County, where he graduated from Zanesfield High School in 1950.
While attending The Ohio State University, Tom met the love of his life, Talma McCulloch, and they were married in 1954. He then earned his Juris Doctorate at The Ohio State University College of Law. In 1963, Tom and family moved to Bellefontaine and soon after, co-founded the law firm Thompson, Dunlap, & Heydinger, where he remained a partner for more than 50 years. As an attorney and mediator, he held many positions locally and state-wide including President of the Logan County Bar Association, an active member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Colonial Federal Savings & Loan and Chairman of Bellefontaine Federal Savings & Loan.
Tom’s greatest sense of pride was Logan County. From playing in the basketball state championships in high school to serving as past President of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, he worked to enrich the community his entire life. He volunteered as mentor for elementary school children, was a member and elder of the First United Presbyterian Church of Bellefontaine, and served as Chairman of the Board of Education to raise funds for the Dodd Stadium at Bellefontaine High School.
A season ticket holder for The Ohio State Basketball program for 50 years, Tom was an avid sports fan. He had a passion for mushroom hunting with the Rooney Tuners and fishing. Above all, he was a family man.
He is preceded in death by his two brothers, Rev. Richard Heydinger and Dr. David Heydinger, and a sister, Barbara (Heydinger) McGarvey.
Tom is survived by his wife of 67 years, three sons: Dr. Tom (Nancy) Heydinger of Brattleboro, VT, Attorney Tim (Chris) Heydinger of Bayfield, CO, Dr. Todd (Dana) Heydinger of Bellefontaine, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, a brother, Ted (Charlene) Heydinger of Austin, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pastor Steve Merrin will officiate a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 8, 2021, in the First United Presbyterian Church, 117 N. Main St., Bellefontaine. Visitation will be Sunday, November 7th from 3 to 5 pm at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine. Burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Way of Logan County, 122 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME& CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE is honored to serve the Heydinger family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.