Thomas E Mcelfresh

Thomas Earl McElfresh, of Bridgeport Ohio was born on April Fools’ day in 1957 and left this Earth to explore the great beyond Friday, September 13th, 2024 after having battled with pneumonia and stage IV lung cancer. A small group of loved ones were present on a video call when he made his final transition. His son, Tim & daughter-in-law, Stephanie remained at his side offering comfort and support.

Born in Bellaire ,Ohio to the late Charles Woodrow & Goldie May (Cumbridge) McElfresh, Tom spent his youth like any other typical boy for the most part, but quickly developed a love for cb radios, which he learned to repair, build, and used frequently under the handle “Tom Thumb”. His passion grew and as an adult he eventually became immersed in ham radio under his licensed call sign N8SGJ. While this new love overshadowed that of cb’s, he continued to fix them, as well as computers when his expertise was sought out. Ham radio remained a constant for the remainder of Tom’s life and something of which he was quite proud and loved talking about. Amateur radio afforded him the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world and various walks of life. Music was his other passion. His melodic interests could not be pegged down however, but rather bridged over many different genres from bands like The Cars to Linkin Park. 

Tom worked various jobs during his life including, but not limited to making and delivering pizzas, janitorial duties, and driving an ambulance.

He was known for his kindness and willingness to give even when his own pockets were near empty. He was a caring individual with a humorous personality, albeit inappropriate at times. He was a man who spoke his mind even when it was hard for others to hear. 

Aside from his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Robert, Woodrow (Jr), Charles, & Larry McElfresh, as well as his sister, Patricia Rainer.

Tom is survived by his girlfriend of 20 years, Debra Cumberlidge, a son, Timothy (Stephanie) Custer of Dennison Ohio and daughters, Amber McElfresh of Wheeling West Virginia, Michelle (Sam) Miller of Lafferty Ohio, Sarah McElfresh of Wheeling West Virginia, and April McElfresh of Shadyside Ohio, and stepson, David Cumberlidge Jr., grandchildren, Anthony (Samantha) Schmitt, Valerie (Trevor) Custer, Caprice (Travis) Custer, Christian (Sky) Custer, Carin (Sarah) Custer, Alisa Custer, Regan (Jake) Custer, Aubrey & Kieran Somers, Nila Miller, and several other grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as a sister, Donna Wright of Parkersburg West Virginia. Tom was especially fond of his feline friends as well and leaves behind his beloved fur babies, Crazy, Monkey, Charlie, Angel, & Gert. 

Tom’s departure leaves a void in the lives of those who loved and treasured him. As each of us grapple with the loss of his physical presence, we hope you will seek comfort in the fond memories and the love each of you shared with him.

In accordance with Tom’s wishes, he has been cremated and will be honored with a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, November 3rd at 12:00 pm at the Washington Lands Volunteer Fire Department (317 Frontage Dr., Moundsville WV 26041). The family requests that you bring a covered dish to share and welcomes you to gather with them in love as they honor and remember Tom. Those interested in sharing a story or special memory are encouraged to do so at this time. 

Instead of flowers, contributions to offset costs will be accepted by Tim or Stephanie Custer or you may choose to make a donation in Tom’s name to your local humane society or animal shelter. 

A special thanks for the wonderful care Tom received from the gracious and caring staff at Riverside Methodist Hospital. They extended such kindness and support to the family present during a very difficult time while providing Tom with both dignity and a high level of care. We are extremely appreciative to the nurses, aides, resident physician, palliative care team, and clergy for their efforts. It was apparent that each of them were focused on what best for Tom.