Thomas Michael Waddell Sr., 77, of Mount Vernon died early Sunday morning, May 10, 2026 at his home. He was born in Mount Vernon on June 3, 1948 to the late James B. and Eunice E. (O’Brien) Waddell.
Tom was a 1966 graduate of the former Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic High School, where he was the captain of the football team, playing the positions of guard and linebacker. He was a member of Saint John the Baptist Parish, attending Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. He worked at and later retired from the Mount Vernon Developmental Center, where he served as head groundskeeper. Tom was also known for his long-time involvement in coaching Mount Vernon Girls Softball.
Throughout his time in girls softball, while coaching all his daughters, he left quite a legacy behind—coaching many other girls who to this day remain near and dear to his heart as well as those who new him. He often spoke about those years and how much they meant to him.
The light of his life were his children and grandsons, who brought him great pride and joy throughout his years. He never went a day without reminding them of that as well. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, witty stories, unfiltered dialogue and the love he had for so many. To know Tom was to love Tom.
Tom is survived by his wife, Susan (Kemmer) Waddell, whom he married on December 28, 1973. Together they shared 52 years of marriage and often told each other, “You are the love of my life.” Some of their best memories were made as newlyweds in Cocoa Beach, Florida; also survived by his daughters, Lisa (Mark) Peugh of Lakeland, Florida and Korinna (Jamie Pahl) Waddell of Mount Vernon; son, Thomas (Jan) Waddell Jr. of Columbus; grandsons, Zane Michael Smith, Brett Michael Martinez, Jace Thomas (Kayleigh) Peugh, Jaxson Mark Peugh, and Mason Eric Peugh; sisters, Brenda (Jan) Pembrook of Gambier and E. Lynn (Dave) Stryker of Mount Vernon; brother, James (Chong) Waddell of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a daughter, Erica Waddell Davidson; granddaughter, Danielle Lisa Waddell-Hopper; sister, Deborah Ann Waddell; and brothers, Joseph and Christopher Waddell.
The family will receive friends from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel, 201 Newark Rd., Mount Vernon. The Rosary will be recited following the visitation.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Very Rev. Monsignor Mark J. Hammond, VF as the Celebrant.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel is honored to serve the family of Thomas Michael Waddell Sr.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com