Basil "Tom" Lee Fries

Basil L. “Tom” Fries, 92, of Port Charlotte, Florida, formerly of Pataskala, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 22, 2024, with his devoted wife of 23 years, Jeannette by his side. Tom was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 24, 1931. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Manassas, Virginia. He was a gracious, kind, and caring man all through his life touching his family and friends with his helpfulness whenever it was needed.

After completing high school, Tom proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years. Following his military service, Tom established Fries Lawn-Care, a business he nurtured and grew with dedication over many years.

Later in Tom’s career, he transitioned to a role he cherished as the Transportation Supervisor and Lead Mechanic at Southwest Licking School District, where his expertise and commitment ensured the safe transportation of students until his retirement in 1999.

Tom had a lifelong passion for restoring old cars, a hobby through which he not only found joy but also earned numerous awards at car shows. He was a proud member of the Buckeye Vintage Truck Club, and was a faithful member of Murdock Christian Church in Port Charlotte.

Tom will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Jeannette; son, Steve Fries; stepchildren, Tammy Herb, Randy (Lou Ann) Weisenstein, and Gary (Kristi) Weisenstein; brothers, John (Joan), David (Marjie), and Jimmy (Diane) Fries; sister, Effie (Lee) Bell; special nephew, Clark (Dana) Fries; ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of family, friends, and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, June (Phillips) Fries; brothers, Clark and Billy Fries; sisters, Mary Beth Wolfe, Linda C. Fries, and Laura Lipscomb; and daughter-in-law, Beth Fries.

Family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home, 289 S. Main St. Pataskala, OH 43062. A funeral service is to follow at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, with Pastor David Brown officiating. Graveside services are to follow at Pataskala Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Tom’s name to the Salvation Army, PO Box 495126, Port Charlotte, FL 33949-5126. Tom’s legacy of hard work, love for family, and passion for life will continue to inspire all who knew him.