MOUNT VERNON — Thomas P. “Tom” Metcalf, 77, passed away May 29, 2009.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, to James Ira and Pauline (White) Metcalf, Tom moved to Mount Vernon as a youth with his family, thus beginning his career as an entrepreneur. He worked with his father developing Met-O-Wood Lane and selling cars at Metcalf Motor Sales, cultivating his interpersonal skills. These skills served him well as he entered a career in public service at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, honored as the 1983 Employee of the Year and nominated for the 1983 Salute to Public Employees.
Tom’s friendly personality helped him succeed in his business ventures. His vision for the Dan Emmett House Hotel, the Dan Emmett Conference Center, and Uncle Dan’s Playhouse and Tavern brought new life to the historic Downtown. Most noted for his dedication to The Alcove, patrons will miss his lively conversations and his hands-on approach to management.
Tom dedicated his life to serving his community, founding and presiding over the Heritage Centre Association. His involvement included numerous committees and organizations, among them the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Central Ohio Restaurant Association, the Woodward Opera House Development Corp., the Dan Emmett Festival Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, an honorary membership to the Mount Vernon Jaycees, and the Mount Vernon Developmental Center. He won several awards, including the Spirit of Heritage Award, the Walter Rudin Award, the Paul Slaughter Volunteer of the Year Award and the Golden Deeds Award.
Preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, James Lee Metcalf, Tom is survived by his children, Kimberly (Rick) Brady of Grove City, Thomas P. (Vonda) Metcalf Jr. of Gambier, Stephanie (Glenn Maddy) Langley of Marion and Richard (Dianna) Langley of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Sheryl (Langley) Thomas, Toni and Cassie Metcalf, Jordan and Austin Brady, and Alexander and Zachary Langley-Maddy; two great-grandchildren, Demetri and Gavin Thomas; sister-in-law, Carolyn Metcalf; niece, Marsha Metcalf; nephew, Trent (Alice) Metcalf; and cousin, Dave Metcalf.
Those wishing to honor his memory may attend calling hours from 6 to 7 p.m. immediately followed by a memorial service, on June 11, 2009, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mount Vernon. In honor of Tom’s optimistic spirit, a celebration of his life will take place at his beloved Dan Emmett Conference Center on Friday, June 12, at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Thomas P. “Tom” Metcalf.
To send a condolence to the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.