Thomas Leslie Eswine, 60, Loved Automobiles and Hotrods

He was born December 17, 1944 in Marion, Ohio where he was raised. He has been a resident of Amherst since 1957 graduating from Marion L. Steel High School with the class of 1962.

He served in the US Army for two years. He graduated from Lorain County Community College with a Bachelor of Science Degree and from The Ohio State University with a degree in Design. He enjoyed doing graphic design work. He loved automobiles and hotrods, especially Corvettes, and as a young man, he belonged to the Quick Coggers. In later years, he was a member and past President of Sandstone City Corvette Club. He owned and operated a Pro-Forma franchise for sixteen years. He was also employed by United States Steel in Lorain from 1976 to 1987 as a foreman and as a purchasing agent for Republic Engineered Products for five years. He was a member and Co-President of People of Amherst for Community Enrichment; the Amherst Eagles Aerie #1442; and the Amherst Rotary Club. Thomas was a coach for the T-Ball Jets, served as Cub Master for Boy Scout Troop 494; and Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 431.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years Diane L. Eswine (nee: Weaver); his sons Thomas Joseph Eswine of Waukesha, WI, and Richard Allan Eswine of Amherst; and his sister Carol Garland of Oxford, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Edgar Eswine, Jr. in 1963 and Esther Eswine (nee: Cobourn) in 1994.

Friends may call Wednesday, March 9, 2005, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the first Evangelical Lutheran Church; 603 Washington Avenue, Lorain where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. The Rev. Jimmy Madsen, pastor will officiate. Burial will be held Thursday at Glendale Union Cemetery; 105 Glendale St., in Cardington, OH.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst, Ohio 44001.