Thomas Harold Mikesell, Jr., 92, of Indiana, PA, formerly of Blairsville, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at St. Andrew’s Village, Indiana, PA.
The son of Thomas H. Mikesell, Sr. and Aletha Fae (McQuown) Mikesell, he was born February 6, 1927 in Indiana, PA.
Tom was a life member and the longest attending member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Indiana, at the time of his death, where he had served as treasurer, trustee, elder, clerk of session and president of the cemetery association.
Tom also found time to be a 4-H club leader, a representative on the Penn State Extension board of directors in Indiana County, a delegate to the Regional Extension Advisory Committee and a member of the Indiana County Farm Bureau. An activity that he was most proud of was being associated with the Indiana County Fair. He became a member in 1963 and a member of the board of directors in 1964. He held various positions including superintendent, vice president, president and general manager for a number of years. As a child, Tom was introduced to the fair by his parents and grandparents and that early exposure fostered a life-long relationship he explained as following, “Once you get it in your blood, you can’t get it out.” He passed on that love to his children and grandchildren who affectionately called it, “Poppy’s Fair.” Now his family works at the fair to carry on the legacy.
He graduated from Laura Lamar High School in 1945 and was a World War II veteran of the US Army. After basic training Tom landed in Naples, Italy. His unit traveled through Italy and ended at the Alps where they guarded the Yugoslavia-Austrian border. He was sent to school in Venice and Lido, Italy and was eventually pulled off the border patrol and placed in Regimental Headquarters where he finished his service.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Tom began a 25-year career as a dairy farmer, was a part-time technician for Atlantic Breeders Cooperative, active in the Dairy Herd Improvement Association and Guernsey Breeders in the county serving both organizations as president. He also was a farmer- salesman for Hoffman Seeds, Inc. of Landisville from 1957 to 1972. In 1972, he became district manager for western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He retired in 1989 as a regional manager.
Tom enjoyed his retirement with his wife and family camping, traveling, gardening and working at the fair. He always liked having his kids and grandkids around for some family fun.
Surviving are his loving wife of 70 years, Marjorie A. (Steele) Mikesell whom he married April 7, 1949, two daughters, Terry Semsick (David) of Black Lick and Wendy Sturiale (Charles) of Blairsville; seven grandchildren, Zachary Semsick (Julia), Joshua Semsick, Chelsea Steigart (John), Christa Lockard (Garry), Laura Hutcheson (Joshua) Casey Carnahan (Adam) and Gretchen Semsick, 12 great grandchildren, Tommy, Adelayne, Molly, Julie, Jack, Forrest, Xander, Dagny, Annalin, Nathan, Quinn and Carmen, four siblings, Charles Mikesell (Claribel) of Indiana; Shalie Bell (Jack) of Vermont; Kathleen Stutzman (Jim) of Armagh, Bob Mikesell (Marlene) of Marion Center; brother-in-law, Donald Fulmer of Indiana and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jeanette Fulmer.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Sunday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11A.M. Monday the time of the service at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1470 Bethel Church Road, Indiana, PA 15701 with his daughter, Pastor Terry Semsick officiating.
Interment will be in Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery, Indiana, PA.
If so desired, memorial donations may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church.
Military services will be accorded by Blairsville VFW Post #5821 and American Legion Post #0407.
To view the online obituary, sign the guest registry or send condolences, visit www.shoemakerfh-monuments.com
