Thomas Blair Metz

Thomas Blair Metz

He would like you to know his work is done... he received a call, sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning... this assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time, before this you probably knew him as Blair although he went by Tom in the Army and to his Ohio friends, entered eternal life this past Monday August 17, 2020... his spirit is carried on by his son Thom, three grandchildren Justin, Sean, and Cody, and four great-grandchildren... his loving wife, Mary, of 67 years will guide them along and keep them in prayers until she can join him

He was born a traveling man from the hills of Marion County where he survived an F4 tornado and drove a logging truck at nine after moving to Wetzel County he rambled the crossroads of Glade Fork selling Blair products, Rosebud salve, and Grit papers... collecting bottles, bartering pocket knives, bicycles, until building a pickup truck out of a 27 Chevy Sedan at fifteen (he was a Ford man ever since)...

He was proudest of the medal given to him late in life by the Korean people presented in full commemoration of how he and his comrades changed their lives forever.  He had enlisted at seventeen and was a Sargent First Class before he was nineteen; the rapid rank gives testimony of his take charge attitude and reflects the sacrifice of life that surrounded him... like many he seldom reflected about the war years but enjoyed the recognition of his Korean hat and Purple Heart license plates... the countless times of folks thanking him for his service always brought a smile to his face

After returning from the service he took high school equivalency exam and excelled qualifying for college, to the dismay of the Dean, he declined because back then it didn’t cover living allowance and he had marriage plans, when asked why he selected his soulmate of 67 years after obviously different interests - his response was simply “he liked what he saw”. I’m sure he was looking past the obvious since he knew her since she was twelve...

Life was difficult during those early years and employment was irregular taking on a variety of jobs, he helped build State Route 62, drove Taxi, and worked for several gas stations between layoffs from the Steel Mills. He impressed a manager at the power company when he applied for work... he said when he had an opening he would hire him and true to his word several years later he did... at work they called him Siever’s Boy but he studied hard earned respect for his knowledge and diligence... he spent the last decade there trouble shooting and sub-station inspection... they still tried to coax him back ten years after he retired...

Home and family were always a priority, he built a home when he was laid off with a loan granted on a handshake. They worked hand-in-hand with individual contractors to build a basement house and when times improved contracted to have the top finished. They spent most of their weekends returning home to family and helping them, they did set aside time for a vacation every year. He never lost the burning desire to travel as his better half drug her heals the whole way, he traveled extensively staying at only at the best KOA locations... he wore out several truck campers and still has one ready and waiting out back...

A long life has many rewards and memories of raising a child, having grandsons, and watching great-grandchildren grow up way to fast, regrettably, he outlived some of your closest friends and family. He is preceded in death by his father Henry and mother Verna Metz, his brothers Roy and Robert Metz in his adopted second family by marriage, Mary’s parents Henry and Zoni Hatcher, her siblings Herbert, Ernie, Joe, Vern, and Oscar Dale Hatcher, Patty Quinn, Emma Jean Greene, and Elva Fluharty, he was always there for them

He passes knowing the strong foundation was built and was able to see the fruits of his labor flourish with the next generation, my son summed it up the best;

“As long as I can remember, he’s been a strong and constant presence.  When I was young, he always made it a priority to invest in his relationship with me and my brothers.  As I grew older, he supported and encouraged us through good times and bad.  And later in life, his friendship, advice, and example played a huge part in shaping the man I’ve become.”

“He was the kind of person you could always depend on. He was smart, lived wisely, and had a great sense of humor.  He was a humble hard worker.  A man of unshakable character.  A proud veteran.  He worked diligently to build a better life for his family and gave freely to anyone who had a need.  Above all, I knew he would do anything for me - a love that extended to my wife and children.

“So many time over the years, I can remember thanking him for something “you don’t have to do that.”  His joking response was always the same - “The only thing I have to do is die.”  He lived to help others.  Not out of compulsion or obligation, but out of kindness and love...

“Today, it was sobering to sit beside him as he finally checked that lone item off his to-do list.  I’m thankful for the legacy he’s left behind”

Palmer’s Funeral Home arranged a beautiful graveside ceremony with military honors at the PK Cemetery in Hastings, WV. Instead of flowers, it was his request that you will do an unexpected act of kindness for some unfortunate soul in his name