Thomas L. Sixt

Thomas L. Sixt, 97, passed peacefully in his home on June 23, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Sarah Sixt; sister, Helen; brothers, Arthur, Robert, Paul and Donald; and beloved son, Tommy. Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Margaret (“Mag”); daughters, Sharon (Kim) Taylor and Jean (Paul) Calderone; and four grandchildren, Maggie, Natalie, Ian, and Lexi, who adored their “Papa.”

Tom was born on January 25, 1925 in Middletown, Ohio. Growing up he was an active participant in numerous school and church activities involving music, sports and the Boy Scouts, interests that he carried throughout his entire life. In 1943, two weeks following his high school graduation and one badge short of becoming an Eagle Scout, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served in the South Pacific until his honorable discharge in 1946. Tom went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Capital University and a Master’ degree from Ohio State University. He served as a teacher, principal, and in other administrative capacities for 30+ years, initially holding positions with Gahanna Jefferson Schools and finishing the last 23 years of his career at Robert Lewis Stevenson Elementary (Grandview). He fully retired in 1982 and was blessed with many happily active retirement years. He and Mag enjoyed traveling, attending their grandchildren’s musical and sporting events, and spending winters in Florida. Tom was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church (Whitehall) for 68 years, where he sang in the choir, played piano for Faith Mission, served as Sunday school Superintendent and on various other committees.

Tom had many hobbies throughout his life: riding his bike (until age 90), golfing, fishing, woodworking, watching college football and basketball, spending time in nature and, most significantly, his music. From age 9, Tom’s piano became his constant and daily companion, and he tickled the keys until his fingers would no longer cooperate. As a child, he played piano in his church orchestra, for school and community events, and in several local bands. He continued playing throughout his adult life, sharing his enormous talent with all who knew him. His family is forever grateful for his long, active life, and will continue to love and celebrate him through music, laughter, enjoying nature and a genuine goodness toward others.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 730 Collingwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43213 on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11am with a reception immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church at the above address or to Capital University Alumni Relations, 1 College and Main, Columbus, Ohio 43209-2394.