Tom Smailes

Gerald Thomas "Tom" Smailes, age 80, of Coshocton passed away peacefully at his home on July 12, 2026. He was born to the late Earl and Lois (Shearn) Smailes in Coshocton on October 13, 1945. Tom was a 1963 graduate of Coshocton High School and went on to graduate from Andrew-Columbus Barber College in 1964. A proud veteran, he honorably served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1968 aboard the USS Saratoga, including service in Vietnam from December 1967 to December 1968.

Following his military service, Tom began his career as a barber in Columbus before returning home to Coshocton, where he worked alongside Johnny McKee at McKee's Barber Shop. He later accepted a position in maintenance at Stone Container. Following the labor dispute, Tom returned to the profession he truly enjoyed, opening his own barber shop, where he spent the next ten years serving the community and building lasting friendships. He was eventually called back to Smurfit-Stone Container, where he worked in the storeroom until retiring in 2008.

Tom was a past member of the Eagles and AMVETS. He was a longtime member of Roscoe United Methodist Church and later attended Warsaw Presbyterian Church.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed watching sports, listening to all kinds of music, and losing himself in a good book. More than anything, he cherished being around people. Outgoing and quick with a joke, Tom had a gift for striking up conversations, making others laugh, and forming genuine connections wherever he went. He truly never met a stranger, and many who first met him as acquaintances soon became friends. Above all else, Tom treasured the time he spent with his family and friends, who will forever remember his heart, easy conversation, and playful sense of humor.

Tom is survived by his wife Kay (Feasel) Smailes, who he married on July 16, 1977. Children, Judd (Anastasia) Smailes, Troy (Chelley) Melick and Amy (Kevin) McCoy; grandchildren, Taylor Melick, Jarred (Emily) Melick, Madison (Zach) Smith, Bodie Wells, Collin McCoy, Allie (Travis) Engard, Kay-Lee Smailes, Jaxson West, Joella West and Cody and Cole Smailes; great granddaughter, Maren Melick; brothers and sisters-in-law, Linda (Paul) Spurgeon, Dave (Cheryl) Feasel, Diana (Charles) Gorsuch and Dan (Shirley) Feasel as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Clyde and Mildred Shearn and Tom and Maude Smailes; son, Van Smailes and his good friend, Tom Thomas who he lost in Vietnam.

Memorial contributions can be made to Genesis Hospice, Warsaw Presbyterian Church or Roscoe United Methodist Church.

A private family service will take place and his final resting place will be at South Lawn Cemetery.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.themillerfuneralhome.com