Thomas E. Brenner

On March 13, 2025, Thomas E. Brenner, 85, passed away peacefully at home and is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born July 13, 1939 and grew up in Copley, OH at the Brenner Farm house, purchased by his grandparents, Lewis and Naomi Brenner in 1910.

Tom was a 1957 Copley High School graduate and earned a Masters degree from Kent State University in 1962 which led him to a career in education. He was a teacher, coach, principal and administrator at Medina Highland High School for 35 years.  He was a founding member of Northside Christian Church and served as an elder there for many years.  He also served at Orrville Christian Church for 20 years and enjoyed hosting the beef stew bash for the 50 and over folks.

Tom played basketball and was the quarterback of the 1955 undefeated 9-0 football team, alongside his long-time friend and brother-in-law, Jerry Emich.  Tom could always be seen attending his kids and grandkids sporting events for both high school and college games. He loved camping and boating with his family at Pleasant Hill Lake, and also traveling the US camping with his Sunnybrooke friends. He will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon; and mother, Helen (McKeighen);  his grandson, Joseph (Joey) Karam, sisters, Beverly Emich and Darlene (Robert) Emery; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Strawderman and Carl Smith.  He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lucille (Smith) Brenner; son, Thomas Jr.; daughter, Susan (Ronald) Karam; son; Timothy (Bethany) Brenner; sister, Marilyn Strawderman; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Jerry Emich, brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Donna Spencer, and brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and April Smith.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 12 noon at Northside Christian Church, 7615 Ridge Rd, Wadsworth, OH 44281, with Pastor Thomas Ledford officiating. Calling hours will be at church for two hours prior to the service, from 10 am – 12 noon. Burial at Copley Cemetery.

Please share your thoughts and condolences by visiting his Tribute Wall above.