Thomas Edwin Fouss

Thomas “Tom” Fouss, 88, of Marietta, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, humility, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and community.

Tom grew up alongside his two brothers, Joe and Larry, and his sister, Linda. He graduated from Salem Liberty High School in 1956.

On September 2, 1956, Tom married the love of his life, Kaye (Cunningham) Fouss. Together, they celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage, building a beautiful life centered on love, family, hard work, and devotion to one another.

Tom and Kaye were blessed with three children: Randy (Sharon) Fouss, Christopher Fouss, and Michelle (Dave) Miller. Their family continued to grow with seven grandchildren: Eric (Jenine), DJ (Millie), Tyler (Jordyne), Logan, Nick Fouss, Mattie (Grant) Lehman, and Max Miller; and three great-grandchildren: Coen, Brenna, and Cole Fouss.

Tom proudly served in the United States Army Reserves from 1956 to 1960 as a heavy equipment operator at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 64.

Following his military service, Tom returned to Ohio and worked as the manager and greenskeeper of Lakeside Golf Course from 1962 to 1974. He then began his career at Central Ohio Coal Mine, where he worked until his retirement in 2001. During those years, he held several positions, including heavy equipment operator, electrician, and oiler, before taking on what he considered the coolest job of all—operating the legendary Big Muskie, the largest walking dragline ever built.

Outside of work, Tom enjoyed woodworking, camping, antiquing, and caring for his yard.

Tom also served the people of his community with great humility. It is said that true men of high moral character and honor walk with a quietness so loud that the people they serve will never forget them. His family believes this to be true of him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Betty Fouss.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Arbors of Marietta and Amedisys Hospice Care for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to Tom.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Amedisys Hospice Care.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Mike Snyder officiating. Burial to follow at Salem Township Cemetery, where full military honors will be observed.

Cawley & Peoples is honored to serve Tom’s family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page.