Thomas Ovia Haithcock

Thomas Ovia Haithcock went to eternal rest with the Lord on June 17, 2020 at his home in San Diego California. He was 71 years old. Thomas, also known as “Tom” or “Tommy” was born in Lima Ohio to  Thomas Melvin Haithcock and Edith Mae Jennings.

Growing up in the country, Tom loved to ride horses and raise cattle while living next door to his Uncle Mugs, where he and his brothers and sisters enjoyed the farm life. As an athlete, Tom played all major sports at Shawnee High School, where he graduated. As he grew older his Uncle Mugs gave him a job with his construction company where Tom worked for several years. An expert at driving semi trucks, dump trucks, and hauling heavy equipment, he later moved to California to be closer to his siblings.

Tom loved to play practical jokes on everyone, just to get a laugh. One night the boys (Tom, Bob, Herman, Mike, and cousin Dale) were walking back to the Haithcock house around Halloween time and saw a Volkswagen Beetle sitting in a driveway. Someone suggested, “Hey, lets pick it up and put it on the concrete slab at the front door.” It was no problem for the 5 of them to pick it up and they placed  it 6 inches from the front door. They all walked away laughing, wishing they could see their faces in the morning. And with his smile and charm, he would say “I’m sorry” and you had to forgive him regardless. Tom loved the smell of grass and the sound of crickets. He also enjoyed fishing and playing pool. Throwing a fishing pole in the water was always in his heart.

Preceded in death by his mother and father as well as two sisters (Betty-Jean Haithcock-Welch and Cynthia Cooper-Jelks) and one brother (Michael E. Haithcock).

As Tom’s soul was set free, he has left behind two beautiful daughters Tamula Haithcock Reynolds of Holland, OH and Tanjala Haithcock of Washington D.C. (5) grandchildren, (8) great grandchildren. Sisters Delores Downton (Carson, CA) and Patricia Haithcock Denham (Adelanto, CA). Brothers Robert “Bob” Haithcock (Lima, OH), Herman Haithcock (Lancaster, CA), Rodney Cooper (Columbus, OH).  And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He will truly be missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Ovia Haithcock, please visit our floral store.