Thomas V. Bettinger

Thomas V. Bettinger passed away on May 15, 2023.

Born to Lillian (Mekus) and Arnold Bettinger on October 18, 1930 in Toledo, Ohio. Tom attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School, DeVilbiss High School and received his Civil Engineering Degree from the University of Toledo in 1953.

After graduation, Tom was commissioned in the U.S. Navy in the Civil Engineer Corp during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at the Construction Battalion Center in Davisville, RI where he served as Assistant Public Works Officer.

Tom’s business career consisted of engineering, sales, and management positions at Surface Combustion including stints in Chicago, Boston and the Hartford areas. Then he served as Vice President of Holcroft and General Manager of Standardized Products. As founder and owner of Met Therm Corp and BW Associates, Inc., he served as President and CEO. In his retirement years, he continued to stay active as an engineering and business consultant.

A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tom also served as President of the Parish Council. Additionally, he was President of the Board of Governors at Highland Meadows Golf Club; member of the President’s Club and Life Member of the University of Toledo Alumni Association; American Legion Post 355 member; Life Member of the American Society for Materials; and a VIP for the Metroparks.

Tom was a loving and attentive husband, a devoted father and grandfather—providing strength and guidance for his family. He was deeply committed to sharing with them the values and beliefs that were the foundation of his faith, principles, work ethic and achievements. He was a 50 plus year member at Highland Meadows where he and his wife Joyce continued to play golf well into their 80s.

Tom will be especially missed by a group of Theta Chi Fraternity brothers and their spouses who have been life-long friends since their days at the University of Toledo, the Senior Golfers at Highland Meadows Golf Club, his former business associates, neighbors and friends who have had the pleasure of knowing him throughout a long, productive life.

Surviving are sons: Douglas (Cheryl) Bettinger of Toledo; Dale (Debbie) Bettinger of Palmer, AK; daughters: Dianne (Gary) Howerton of Seaside, FL; Amy (Philip) Lingle of Temperance, MI; Jeanne (Michael) Masters of Medina, OH; and sister, Marilyn Bettinger Kruszka of Cumming, GA.

He loved all his grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed his time with them. His legacy remains with grandchildren: Benjamin Bettinger; Lauren (Howerton) Bailey and Tracey Howerton; Douglas II, Hannah, Blake and Emily Bettinger;

Gregory, Kevin and Maureen Lingle; Sean and Samantha Masters. And two great grandchildren, Blair and Brooke Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Joyce Bettinger; parents Lillian and Arnold Bettinger; and brothers Willam and John Bettinger.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 31st at Walker Funeral Home—Sylvania, with a prayer service beginning at 6:00 PM. The funeral mass will begin at 9:45 AM on Thursday, June 1st at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sylvania followed by inurnment at Toledo Memorial Park and military funeral honors.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are requested to consider the following charities: St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sylvania and the University of Toledo Foundation.