NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 13, 2018) –
Tom Wortman
January 22, 1941- August 11, 2018
Carl Thomas Wortman, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 11 at his home surrounded by his wife Nancy and family. He fought a courageous battle with cancer for the past eight years.
A Celebration of Life is being held Thursday, August 16, 2018 at First United Methodist Church of Newark, Ohio, where Tom was a 40-year member. The service will be conducted by Pastor Scott Campbell and will begin at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary. Calling hours will precede the service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A fellowship meal will follow at the church. Brucker & Kishler Funeral Home and Cremation is providing the cremation services
Tom was born and raised in Newark and was a 1959 graduate of Newark High School where he excelled in academics and sports. He was one of two student/athletes to have earned 12 varsity letters, as well as the Loyd Milisor Outstanding Athlete Award. His achievements later garnered him a place in the NHS Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to play football at Muskingum College where he earned various accolades, including the 1960 conference championship. He transfered to Middle Tennessee State University where he was a member of the track team. He earned various awards and obtained a B.S. degree in Education.
It was at MTSU were he met his wife Nancy (Sullivan) from Manchester, Tennessee. It was a memorable first meeting of her future husband; he walked across the college cafeteria on his hands, flipped up onto his feet, stuck out his hand and said, “Hi, I’m Tom Wortman, wanna go out Saturday night?“ That date led to others and eventually resulted in a marriage of 54 years.
Upon graduation from MTSU in 1965, he held various coaching and teaching positions in Georgia. Among other things, he received the AAA State Basketball Coach of the Year. In 1977, he returned to his hometown and alma mater to coach football and teach at Newark High School and Wilson Middle School. For several years, he led the local Fellowship Of Christian Athletes chapter. He retired from teaching in 2004, but continued to coach football and track at NHS until 2010
After retirement, one of Tom’s favorite pastimes was playing golf while spending time with his friends. He loved visiting his children, grandchildren and favorite grand-dog Sadie in Tennessee. Whether it was attending various family events, VIP treatment at shows or watching his son coach his own teams, he cherished the time spent with his family.
Whenever he would run into former students or they would stop by to visit and talk; it reminded him why he chose that career.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Julie Wortman, son Barry Wortman, grandson Austin Wortman (Katelyn), great-grandson Eli, brother Jeff Wortman (Jo Doris, son Scott (Heather) and numerous extended family members. His parents Robert Wortman and Diana Seufert Wortman precede him in death.
2 Timothy 4: 7 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to:
First United Methodist Church of Newark
Memoriam – Tom Wortman
88 N. Fifth St.
P. O. Box 729
Newark, Ohio 43058
Or
The TJ Martell Foundation
“Music’s Promise For A Cure”