Thomas Farrow

Thomas "Tom" Farrow passed away on June 12, 2025, in Hilliard, Ohio, from complications of age-related illnesses with his children at his bedside. He was born at home on August 1, 1934, in Bellevue, Ohio, the only son of the late Thomas Farrow, a railroad worker, and Elsie Farrow, a parsonage cook. Tom is preceded in death by his sisters Dorothy Talbot, Kathryn (Kate) Roren and Jeanne Farrow.

Tom’s industrious spirit emerged early—he began delivering newspapers at the age of seven. A 1952 graduate of Lorain High School, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Radioman 3rd Class aboard the USS Juneau during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in 1955, he attended Ohio University (OU), where he earned a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. During Tom’s first week at OU, he met his future wife, Elaine, who was majoring in elementary education. They married in June 1959 and remained married for 54 years, raising their family in Rich Square, NC, Lorain, OH, Valparaiso, IN, Avon Lake, OH, Newtown, PA, Canfield, OH and finally retiring to Bluffton, SC.

In 1959, Tom began his professional career as a Production Manager with Talon Zippers in Meadville, Pennsylvania and Woodland, North Carolina. In 1961, Tom began a distinguished career in the steel industry that would span over 30 years.

He joined U.S. Steel as a trainee and and advanced to General Foreman of the Blast Furnace Department at the Lorain Works. From 1973-78, he was an Engineer Technical Control, assigned to Gary Works’ No. 13 Blast Furnace—renowned for producing more than the other twelve furnaces combined, as well as being the largest blast furnace in the Western Hemisphere at that time. Tom was then Assistant Superintendent for multiple blast furnaces at Gary Works. His leadership continued as Area Manager at both Lorain Works and Fairless Works until his early retirement in 1991. Even in retirement, his expertise remained sought after; he consulted for Sharon Steel and KNC Consulting until 1996.

In June 1998, Tom and Elaine retired to Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, South Carolina where they enjoyed an active social life, engaging in sports, luncheon clubs, etc. and made great friends. They always looked forward to hosting family and friends.

After Elaine’s untimely passing in June 2013, Tom remained active—continuing to play softball and golf, participating in the Veterans Association and enjoying neighborhood events. In 2021, he moved to Independent Living, ultimately residing in Columbus, Ohio, where most of his children reside.

He is lovingly remembered by his children Tom, Jim, Beth, Mike (Dollie), of Columbus, OH; Dave of Charlotte, NC; and grandchildren David of New York City and Miller of Los Angeles.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Gregory The Great Catholic Church in Bluffton, South Carolina on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Following Mass, the Rite of Committal and burial will be in St. Gregory’s Resurrection Garden Columbarium.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.