Thomas Gene Miller, age 73, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away on January 10, 2026, following a courageous battle with heart disease. Born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on July 10, 1952, Tom was the son of Chester and Barbara (George) Miller. On March 6, 1971, he married Darlene (Karkalik) Miller, and together they shared 54 years of marriage.
Tom devoted his career to the automotive repair industry, serving primarily within the Mansfield community. After undergoing quadruple bypass surgery in his mid-forties and receiving a challenging prognosis, he established Miller’s Auto Repair. As founder and owner, he built the business from the ground up and often assisted customers out of concern for their safety, frequently with limited expectations of compensation.
His commitment to service extended beyond his business, as demonstrated by his hosting of “Ask the Mechanic,” a radio program dedicated to automotive advice. Upon retirement, after receiving a prognosis of 3–6 months to live, Tom founded Take a Kid Fishing, a charitable organization that provided fishing equipment and outdoor experiences for families and children throughout the region, encouraging youth to engage in meaningful time outdoors.
Following in his father’s tradition, Tom earned his Master Mason degree and was affiliated with Grand Lodge #35. He found spiritual fulfillment through time spent fishing with his son, sharing many sunrises and sunsets on the water. Tom “Tommy” was a long-standing member of the Clear Fork Valley Bassmaster’s, and in 1979, represented Ohio’s six-man team at the Bass Federation National Championship at Lake of the Woods, Canada. His passion and knowledge in bass fishing were highlighted in several Mansfield News Journal features authored by renowned outdoor writer Dick Martin.
Tom valued time with family and enjoyed competitive bass fishing, boating, guitar playing, singing, hunting, and attending his granddaughters’ activities. Tom will be remembered for his integrity, steadfast support of loved ones, and unwavering commitment to ethical principles. Tom did not live his life chasing money; he lived helping others. He was one of those men that you could always count on when needed. He was a father that taught his son how to be a good man. A husband that loved unconditionally and a grandpa that loved his granddaughters and daughter-in-law with all his heart.
Survivors include his wife, Darlene Miller; son, Jeffrey Miller and his wife Melissa of Medina, Ohio; granddaughters Olivia, Addisyn, and Kaelyn Miller; brothers, Pastor Chester Miller and his wife Barbara of Millport, Ohio, Bruce Miller of Georgetown, Ohio, and Joe Hedrick and his wife Vicki of Mount Vernon, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Miller andBarbara George Miller Hedrick.
The family extends sincere appreciation to Western Reserve Masonic Community of Medina, Ohio, for their exceptional care.
Family and friends are encouraged to gather on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society, 9 Chambers Rd, Mansfield, Ohio 44906 from 2:00-4:00PM. In addition, a Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held in July at Clearfork Reservoir, his favorite lake.
Memorial contributions may be made to Take a Kid Fishing LLC. (www.kidsfishinginohio.com)
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Website: www.ohiocremation.org