Thomas Lohnes

CHINA – Thomas Lohnes died unexpectedly at his home in China Village on Monday, July 24, 2023, with his loving wife and family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston, the fifth of six children, son of Jack and Jeannette (Cote) Lohnes. He lived his younger years in Auburn and Waterville, graduating from Waterville High School in 1965 and attended a two-year millwright apprenticeship at Scott Paper where he became a master of his craft.

He married Susan Libby of Waterville, and they became inseparable, raising their two beautiful children, Christopher, and Jennifer.

Always active and athletic, Tom was a Little League all Star and played hockey for the semi-pro Waterville Bruins. He was also on the Royals, a championship basketball team at the Boys Club.

Tom and Susan traveled to remote regions worldwide while officiating the international Eco Challenge adventure races, providing medical and wilderness rescue for this televised event. They hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian trail system. When Scott Paper Mill closed, Tom served as a ranger at Baxter State Park, a job he loved. Tom and Susan were a remarkable team who volunteered countless hours with the Wilderness Rescue Team. Tom loved golfing with his friends, always playing with fairness and good humor. He was never at a loss to tell a joke, quick to lend a helping hand, laugh, and forgive.

In 1967, at the age of 20, Tom served as a combat Marine, 3rd battalion 3rd Marine, Mike company, engaging in brutal warfare in Quang Tri Province, Dong Ha, Con Thien, The Rock Pile, and lastly Hill 861 in Khe San where his battalion was the first of three divisions required to take the hill, with devastating losses. It was there he was wounded a second time. In a letter written home he said, “It was the worst day of my life.” Tom endured the loss of numerous friends (his band of brothers). Suffering two combat wounds, Tom received the Purple Heart. His life was altered permanently by the brutality of war. Tom was able to rise above this and live an exemplary life – quick witted and free with his welcoming smile. Tom fostered countless friendships including an international circle of friends at their vacation destinations in South Carolina. Tom led by example: he stood tall and true to his convictions. He was a man of his word and truthful to a fault. As a loyal friend, he stood rock solid. As a husband and father, he was a tender hearted, gentle, loving man. He was someone to feel safe with. He was a fierce protector and lover of animals and nature.

In his 33 years as a millwright at Scott Paper, Tom maintained good-natured relationships. If there was a prank, Tom was involved. Tom was the president of his Union of Machinists and Aerospace Workers for several years. Tom’s negotiations bridged gaps between management and labor. His skills encompassed a talent for compromise with respect and professionalism.

At work he was called “TL”, to his siblings and lifelong friends he was “Tommy”, and to his children he was “Daddy” and “Pappa”. As within most loving marriages that have spanned 54 years, the terms of endearment grew and were only voiced in private. July 19 of this year marked what should have been 55 years.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife Susan; and two children, son, Christopher of Lewiston and daughter, Jennifer Assaf of Oakland and husband Rony Assaf. He also survived by his sisters Helen Lohnes Berman of New York and Susan Jane Lohnes Graves (husband, Greg) of Bloomington, Ind., and brother, Barry Lohnes (wife, Susan Mullhuland Lohnes) of Topsham, as well as three generations of extended family who loved him greatly. The unspeakable grief from his loss will be felt for years.

Tom will be interred at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. with full military honors. All family and friends are invited to attend.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Susan Lohnes at

New Dimensions Credit Union,

61 Grove St.,

Waterville, ME 04901

for Christopher.