Thomas A. Fair

Thomas A. Fair, age 81, of Carey, Ohio, passed away at 9:50 pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay, Ohio.

Tom was born on January 11, 1945, in Millersburg, Ohio, to Adrian and Clara (Cox) Fair, both of whom are deceased. He married the love of his life, Elaine M. Armstrong, on June 6, 1963, in Nashville, Ohio. They shared 61 years of marriage before her passing on June 30, 2024.

He is survived by three daughters: Joan (George) Frederick of Bluffton, Julie (Jeff) Legg of Westerville, and Janelle (Terry) Kin of Carey; six grandchildren, Courtney (Tina) Nichol, Chelsea Frederick, Emily Legg, Evan (Olivia Sweeney) Legg, Paige Kin, and Lauren Kin; and one great‑grandson, Elliott Baker. He is also survived by a brother, Tim Fair of Wooster; a sister, Terrie Fair of Wyoming; and a sister‑in‑law, Sue (Bob) Schneider of Toledo. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Elaine.

At Millersburg High School, Tom was known for his strong athletic ability on the football and basketball teams. Those years meant a great deal to him, and he and Elaine cherished attending their high school reunions, reconnecting with classmates who remained lifelong friends.

Tom began his career with Western‑Southern Insurance, where he quickly distinguished himself as a top salesman, earning accolades for his dedication and skill. In 1975, Tom and Elaine embarked on a new adventure together, co‑founding Angelo’s Pizza in Carey. Over the next 51 years, they grew the business into a beloved regional restaurant, expanding into multiple communities including Forest, Upper Sandusky, Arlington, Nevada, Columbus Grove, Sycamore, and Findlay. The original Carey location continues to operate today, a testament to their hard work and vision. They enjoyed being part of the Carey community and offered financial support for many local causes and the schools.

Tom loved the restaurant business and enjoyed attending national pizza exhibitions to explore new trends, see the latest equipment, and connect with others in the industry. In the 1970s and 1980s, he was ahead of his time by launching a food truck called the Chew Chew Caboose, which traveled to fairs and events across the region, including the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Tom was known for helping others start their own businesses, offering encouragement and advice based on his experience. Through decades of business ownership, Tom formed countless friendships. Many former and current employees have become part of the Fair family, a reflection of the warmth, humor, and generosity he brought into the workplace.

Tom loved to travel, especially when it meant time with family. He drove his loved ones to New York City many times over the years, bringing along his children, and grandchildren to share the experience. He enjoyed several recent trips to Key West with his adult children and treasured a once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey to Ireland in 2019 with Janelle and Terry. Closer to home, Tom found joy in spending time at his place in Gem Beach on Lake Erie and visiting his childhood home in Millersburg.

Above all, he was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments. He loved sharing big, funny stories, and his humor, jokes, and signature red fedora (paired with red pens in his shirt pocket) made him unforgettable to everyone who knew him.

Funeral services for Thomas A. Fair will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Lucas‑Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky, with Pastor Ed Hunker officiating.

Visitations will be held on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wyandot County Council on Aging to help support the nutrition/home delivered meal program. Memorials may be forwarded to Lucas Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.