Captain Thomas L. Distel, 86, of Tiffin, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 21, 2010, at St. Francis Home.

He was born September 13, 1924, in Tiffin, to Charles J. and Bertha G. (Kuhn) Distel. He married Margaret Ann 'Peg' Jumper December 9, 1950, in St. Joseph Catholic Church and after 60 years of marriage, she survives in Tiffin.

Other survivors include three sons, Tom (Mary Jo) Distel of Wichita Falls, TX; Tony (Sue) Distel and Ted (Dianna) Distel, both of Tiffin; three daughters, Theresa (Don) Nibblett of Lorton, VA; Ginny (John) Coffman of Springfield; and Ann (Steve) Szablewski of Tiffin; two sisters, Mary Lou Brickner of Tiffin; and Margie DeRan, of Toledo; a brother, Don (Ellen) Distel of Marion; 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death along with his parents is an infant son; and a brother, Charles Distel.

Tom was a 1942 graduate of Calvert High School and attended St. Joseph College in Renssellaer, IN. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and worked Bingo for the school and festival. He proudly served his country as an Army infantryman, during WWII, then as a navigator in the US Air Force. His service years included the Korean War and Vietnam conflict. He retired after 24 years as a captain in the US Air Force. He was a member of the Military Officers Association.

He worked at ExCel Wire & Cable and Tiffin Enterprise. He was a member of Lions Club, Knights of Columbus 608, Disabled American Veterans and United Commercial Travelers. He and his wife enjoyed serving their country and living in such places as Massachusetts, Bermuda, California, Mississippi, Alaska and Florida. He was a loving husband, father, and was active in his children's and grandchildren's lives. Tom enjoyed woodworking, gardening and being a handyman.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. A Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to the Mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with military graveside services conducted by the United Veteran's Council.

Friends may visit with the family 3-8 PM, Monday, December 27, 2010, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home and Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH, 44883, 419-447-2424. Lions Club services will be 7:00 PM.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Chiara unit at St. Francis Home.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com