Thomas H. Duvendack was born March 17, 1940, to Homer and Molly Crowder Duvendack in Toledo, Ohio. When Thomas was ten years old his family moved to Pioneer, Ohio. A 1958 graduate of North Central, he served in the United States Coast Guard for four years. Tom loved his country and was a true patriot.
In November of 1964, he married Brenda Lou Dean. They made their home and raised their family on the Dean family farm near Archbold, Ohio. Tom loved the outdoors and spent many hours hunting and cutting wood in the woods.
Tom was an electrician and he and Brenda started Tom’s Auto Electric in Archbold. He later drove truck for Sauder Woodworking where he retired. When Tom was 38 years old, he accepted Jesus as his Savior. He was then lead to volunteer as a counselor for Bill Glass Prison Ministries and was able to share his faith with many inmates across the country. He and Brenda were also foster parents for ten years and cared for many children.
Tom was a very ambitious and hardworking man and put the needs of others before his own. He was always helping someone in need whether it was repairing a lawn mower or a motor of any kind. He was known as MacGyver of Long Lake when they owned a cottage there. When he didn’t have a part he needed, duct tape and zip ties would do on many of his projects. Tom was also an excellent marksman and shot pistol on a team in Bryan.
The Duvendack’s moved off the family farm to Lake Diane Michigan and later moved to a farmhouse near Fremont, Indiana. Tom enjoyed spending many hours on the porch watching the deer and sand hills cranes while enjoying his coffee and cookies.
Tom is survived by his wife, Brenda; sons, Tadd and (Kristine), John and (Andrea), and daughter Hannah. He was blessed with six grandchildren Brady (deceased), Brady’s son Thomas, Brecken, Anthony, Sarah and Kellen Duvendack. He is also survived by his brother, Homer (Sonny) Duvendack and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death by his parents and brother, Robert Duvendack.
Visitation will be at The West Unity United Methodist Church, 311 N Liberty St, West Unity, Ohio on September 21st from 12:00 - 2:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials to Zion Missionary Church or Inside Out Prison Ministry.