Thomas Rex Appelhans, 74, passed away unexpectedly on May 21, 2026 in his home. Born on April 23, 1952 to Joseph A. and Dorothy (Bressler) Appelhans, Thomas grew up in small town Pemberville doing all the things he loved. From playing football until a knee injury ended his career to drag racing his beloved 1970 Chevelle, Tom was affectionately known as “The Count” to many.
After graduating from Eastwood High School in 1970 and achieving his Electrical Engineer degree at Michael J. Owens Technical College, Tom went on to pursue his firefighting dreams. This led to a significant and fulfilling career as a volunteer firefighter and advanced EMT for over 20 years for the Pemberville-Freedom Fire Department retiring as the First Assistant Chief. He was always up for showcasing his fishing and fish fry skills along with his amazing potato salad, he was frequently caught having a good time with friends and family and always there to “cheers” you. Thomas began his professional career as the Chief Electrician for the Ohio Lime Company before moving on to serve as Pemberville Electric Supervisor for nearly 10 years. Thomas then went on to showcase his Electrical Engineer skills as Maintenance Supervisor at AP parts for over 10 years. To wrap up his career, Tom proudly served for over 20 years as Maintenance Coordinator at Daimler-Chrysler, finally retiring in 2024. He was a stern, yet congenial and well-respected boss who always referred to his employees as “his guys.”
If you knew Tom, you know he was an avid boater and enjoyed every minute being out on the water, hosting anyone that wanted to relax, catch some sun or fish and enjoy the lake. Whether it was boating to coasters, an island, dragging a ski-bob or just cruising the water, the most enjoyable memories came on the water together. Sharing his passion for boating and teaching his children all of the ins and out of maintenance, safety and fun were of the utmost importance to him. Later, he was able to share his love with his fur babies. Tom shared a very special bond with his four-legged friends Brutus, Buddy and Boomer.
On July 19 1975, Thomas wedded Sharon (Hipp) Mouch. She survives. Over the course of their marriage, they welcomed four children who quickly became the pride of his life. While they were young, Tom was always seen coaching a sport, whether it was little league baseball and softball, basketball, cheering from the stands or pacing the sidelines alongside them. As they grew up, he continued to watch them with pride, coaching, loving and raising their children. He thrived on their accomplishments and their close-knit relationships with each other. Thomas is survived by his children: Matthew (Stacy) Appelhans of Luckey, Kelly (Kris) Garman, Tracy (Drew) Binkowski all of Bowling Green, and Scott Appelhans of Rossford. Left to mourn their “Grandpa” & “Papi” are Jordan, Brody, Josie, Emersyn, Jaxson, Maeteo, Jayce, Jaylen, Gianna, Xander, Judson, Jett and Jaycie. Also surviving is brother Lawrence (Deanna) Appelhans, sister-in-law, JoAnn Appelhans, many nieces, nephews, close friends and all of the “psuedo” kids who called him “Dad” along the way. Preceding him in death are parents, Joseph A. and Dorothy Appelhans, brother Joseph W. Appelhans, nephew Kert Appelhans and daughter in law, Trisha Appelhans.
Thank you for all the good times, we will see you on the seas in Heaven, Captain.
A visitation will be held Thursday, May 28 2026 4pm- 7pm at Marsh & Marsteller Pemberville. 4094 State Route 105 Pemberville, OH 43450. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home 11pm Friday, May 29 2026. Presiding will be Deacon Phil Avina of St Aloysius Catholic Church. Thomas will be laid to in Westwood Cemetery. Family would like to welcome friends and family to a luncheon following committal services to Pemberville Freedom Fire Department. 104 E. Front St Pemberville, OH 43402.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the following organizations in Thomas’ name: Pemberville-Freedom Fire Department Association or in support of people with oral, head and neck cancer (SPOHNC) at spohnc.org.
Those wishing to express a word of encouragement or share a memory of photo may do so at: www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
