Thomas Austin Schiltz

Born in Canton on January 19, 1945, he was the third of seven children born to Bill & Mary (Streb) Schiltz. Preceding him in passing were his parents; brother Bill (& Barb); sister Susan (& Tom Canino); sister-in-law Barb (Button) Grove; and nephew, David Grove.

He has been a devoted, loving husband to Carol (Button) for 49 years; father to Andy (Katey) & Ben (Christina); Papa to twins Jane and Matilda (Mattie) Schiltz.

Tom graduated from Hoover High School in 1963 and went to Canton Technical School (forerunner to Stark State College). Before retiring in 2005, Tom was owner and CEO of Copeco, Inc. He truly loved the business and everyone it brought into his life. One of his greatest joys was the Copeco family and experiencing the changes and growth in the lives of everyone who was a part of it.

He fell in love with drag racing as a teenager when his older brother Bill took him to his first race. His passion for racing turned into a second career as a racing photographer. He spent many years as the NHRA Division 3 photographer travelling to races all over the Midwest. His work has been featured in many drag racing and car magazines over the years. He will be missed by fellow photographers, racers & fans who have enjoyed his photos for nearly 50 years. Going to the drags became a family affair as Carol and the boys attended races with Tom throughout the years. Carol even got to attend races on their honeymoon and while vacationing in Hawaii and California. For the last 20 years he also attended Speedweek at the Bonneville Salt Flats each August. In his younger years he could hustle pool with the best. Tom was an avid golfer playing several days a week with family and friends, and also took countless trips with Carol, his boys, other family and friends. Of the countless courses he played, his favorite remained Congress Lake Club where he and Carol have been members for nearly 30 years. He enjoyed High School football, holding Hoover High School season tickets for the past 50 years and attending state playoff games no matter where they were.

Growing up in the Schiltz Shoe Service family, it was very important to Tom to always have a perfect spit shine on his dress shoes. The “shine” was always first thing he noticed when meeting a new friend. To honor him, always keep your dress shoes polished and shined!!

Tom’s family would like to meet you Tuesday, August 29 from 4-8 at the Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Rd NW, Canton. His service will be Wednesday, August 30 at 11:00 at Zion United Church of Christ, 415 S Main St, North Canton. Reverend Joseph A. Santomen will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to The Student Loan Foundation of North Canton or the North Canton Heritage Society.

Tom was a fun loving, kind, peaceful, generous man; a true gentleman who we hold in our hearts forever.