Thomas C. Ehrman, 74, a retired band director and pet store owner, died peacefully at his home Friday night, January 2. He was born in Gallipolis, OH, on March 30, 1940 to Charles and Bennie (Robertson) Ehrman, where he spent his youth fishing, trapping, and farming. Gifted in the arts, Tom developed his musical talents at the Gallia Academy, and was a frequent guest on a local radio station playing the saxophone and oboe. In 1959, he won a full music scholarship to Bowling Green State University. While there, he played oboe in the concert band and orchestra, free-lanced on the saxophone with professional dance bands, and banked many a ball in the pool halls. After graduation he taught briefly in West Virginia before taking a job as band director in Deshler, OH. From 1969-1979 he held the same position at Archbold High School. Due to a serious bout of arthritis, he had an abrupt career change in 1979 and switched to his other passion, fish and pets. Ehrman's Aquarium and Avion enjoyed successful runs in Bryan and Archbold OH for many years. A man of varied interests, Tom worked as the Assisted Living Activities Coordinator at Fairlawn Haven, was a host at the Barn Restaurant, and played a key role in the operations of Valero/Main Stop gas station/convenience store. Tom adored his family, dearly love cruising/traveling with his wife, and treated his friends as kin. He touched many lives and will be missed by all. A member of OMEA and the Archbold United Methodist Church, Tom is survived by Peggy, his wife of 48 years, son Chris (Dawn Ehrman) of Valparaiso IN, daughter Kelli of Dallas TX, daughter Kathi (Kent Clair) of Archbold, and two grandsons. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday at 11 AM at the Archbold United Methodist Church. Interment will precede in the Archbold Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 2-8 PM on Tuesday. Contributions in Tom's memory can be made to the Lima Symphony, Archbold United Methodist Church music department, or donor's choice.