Thomas James Barnard

"Thomas (“Thom”) James Barnard, age 74, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on September 15, 2026, at OhioHealth Hospice House after several months of declining health.

Born April 15, 1952, in Milford, Massachusetts, Thom was preceded in death by his parents, Frederic and Shirley (Nelson) Barnard, and his beloved son, Karl Thomas Barnard. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer (Mike) MacKim of Columbus, Ohio, and Sara (Matt) Wolfe of Trabuco Canyon, California; son Jamie (Carl) Gellor of Fontana, California; grandchildren Eli, Cassidy, and Owen MacKim, and Madelyn and Brody Wolfe; sisters Karen (Ron) Trowbridge and Cindy (Yusuf) Karacaoglu; many nieces and nephews; and special neighbors Linda and Jeff.

Thom graduated from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in 1970 and proudly served in the United States Air Force until 1974. After his service, he settled in Ohio, where his family grew and where he sold cars at Trader Bud’s West Side Dodge and Dick Ruhl Ford. He became involved with the hematology clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, coordinating their Christmas party for children in the clinic and joyfully portraying Santa Claus during and after Karl’s battle with leukemia.

When his father retired, Thom took over the Hood home‑delivery milk route, moving the family back to Massachusetts for several years before returning to Ohio, where he continued his work in delivery with Nickles Bakery. Wherever he lived, Thom carried with him a fierce loyalty to the people he loved and a passion for the things that brought him joy.

Cars were at the center of that joy—viewing them, restoring them, selling them, and racing them. He spent countless years at Columbus Motor Speedway and was a devoted NASCAR fan. He was also an avid (and famously vocal) sports fan, especially when Jennifer was on the field. He cheered for the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox and delighted in bantering with his sons‑in‑law and grandsons about their teams. Thom took great pride in his vehicles and his yard, and he never hesitated to let Mike know when the work didn’t meet his standards. He loved telling stories, cracking jokes, and filling a room with laughter.

Above all, Thom cherished his role as a grandfather. He was immensely proud of Eli, Cassidy, Madelyn, Brody, and Owen, and loved watching each of them grow into the people they are becoming. Distance never diminished his love for them. He treasured their visits, accomplishments, and time together. His grandchildren will remember his big personality, quick humor, stories, teasing, and—most of all—the love and pride he had for each of them.

The family held a private celebration of life. In Thom’s honor, donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or OhioHealth Hospice House."