Thomas Lane Ellis, 51, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. He was born on August 9, 1974, in Toledo, Ohio, to Robert and Dorothy (Bylow) Ellis.
After graduating from Maumee High School in 1992, Tom joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served as a Transportation Specialist. He was stationed in Montana and deployed to Saudi Arabia. He later worked as a bike assembler for Walmart and also ran an eBay business buying and selling collectible items.
Tom will be remembered as one of the kindest people anyone could ever meet. He lived his life with joy, a constant smile, and a playful spirit that brought warmth to everyone around him. He cherished his family deeply and was a devoted son, as well as the very best brother, with siblings Bob and Sue counting him not only as family, but as their closest friend.
Tom loved the Lord, and his faith was evident in the deep care, generosity, and compassion he showed to others. He was always the first to step in to help, whether fixing something, power washing the house, trimming trees, or doing whatever else needed to be done.
He treasured spending time with his brother Bob watching nightly movies, had a passion for playing video games, loved taking bike rides with his dad, and enjoyed visiting parks and spending time in nature, especially Oak Openings and Grand Rapids. Tom loved Christmas and took great joy in decorating his home beautifully for the season.
He was an integral part of his sister’s life and the greatest uncle, using his love of building and creativity to assemble everything from cat trees to Barbie houses. Tom’s generosity knew no bounds. When he saw a need, he responded without hesitation. One of the ways he expressed this was through sponsoring children at St. Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota, and donating to Save the Children, something that brought him great purpose and meaning. His thoughtfulness and care also made him an exceptional gift giver, always finding something unique and perfectly suited for the person receiving it.
Tom’s memory will be cherished by parents Robert and Dorothy Ellis, siblings Robert Ellis Jr., Steven (Jennifer) Ellis, Suzanne (Rob) Piasecki, nephews Gage Ellis, Chase Ellis, Cole Ellis, Robert Piasecki III, nieces Rachel Piasecki, Olivia Ellis, Samantha Piasecki, and Hope Piasecki, as well as numerous beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Edward and Vivian Bylow and Bernie and Edith Ellis, aunt Lana Ellis, uncles Bill and Alan Bylow, and cousin Heather Bylow.
Memorial contributions may be given in Tom’s memory to St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 100, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325-0100 or at www.stjo.org, or to Save the Children, Attn: Gift Processing, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT 06825
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster St. 43402
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
