Thomas (Tom, Tommy, Tinker, Doan, Papa Tom) Karnowski

Thomas “Tom, Tommy, Tinker, Doan, Papa Tom” Karnowski, aged 51 of Toledo, tragically passed away after injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Thomas was born to William Taylor and Sherry [Smith] Karnowski on August 30, 1972. Thomas was later adopted by his pops, John Karnowski. Thomas grew up in Swanton, Ohio, and spent most of his days building Matchbox cars, Legos, fishing, and playing outside with his sisters and friends and taking apart any little thing that he could, just to then put it back together. Hence, “Tommy Tinker.” Thomas graduated from Swanton High School in 1990. He earned a varsity letter and a college scholarship for wrestling. He was a self-taught “jack of all trades” who could learn just about anything after watching one time. Thomas held different positions within various occupations throughout his life but was most recently employed by DynoPower as a motorcycle technician. Thomas had a pure heart of gold. He was sentimental in the best of ways. He had a soft spot for poetry and was spiritual in his own way. He loved all things nature but loved to stop in his tracks and watch any sunrise or sunset. He loved his roses. He boasted about how he kept his rose bushes alive for over 30 years. Thomas enjoyed traveling and would take any chance he could to hop on his Harley steed and ride. Thomas was a long-time club member of the Avengers Motorcycle Club. Thomas loved his club brothers and enjoyed attending clubhouse activities. He enjoyed attending the shooting range as a concealed carrier and had a large interest in guns. He loved a good tune and would often challenge his children during car rides about who the artist was and what the song was called. Thomas had a special love for the 1949-1952 Mercury vehicles. He knew how to make anyone laugh. Thomas was the kind of person who would make light of any situation and took any opportunity to insert an inappropriate joke. Thomas was the type of man who gave the shirt off his back, multiple times, never questioned helping someone in need, and never asked for anything in return. That’s just who he was. He lived in the moment, and he never missed an opportunity to snap a photo. Thomas lived his whole life for his children and took every opportunity to praise his children for their achievements, it was his wish in life for his children to be better than him. His smile was often the biggest when he was with his children and grandchildren, some of whom are his namesakes.

Thomas is survived by his four children Amanda (Justin) Dionyssiou, Zechariah Karnowski, Nicholas [Katelyn] Karnowski, Jaxon Karnowski; step-children Ryan Ritch, Reagan Foxhuber, Jacob Ritch, and Chloe Hudson; grandchildren Noah, Vada, Aiden, Alora, McCoy, Nova, Analaeigha, James, Devin Jr., and Margaret; his mother Sherry Karnowski; siblings Tarina [Ralph] Loff, Emily Keefer, April Fulton, John [Jana] Taylor, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones; his partner Sara Butler; and his ex-wives and mothers of his children Heather Karnowski and Jennifer Karnowski. Thomas is preceded in death by his fathers, John Karnowski and William Taylor, and his youngest brother, William “Billy” Taylor.

A visitation will be held at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd. Oregon, Ohio 43616 on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 2 pm until 6 pm. A funeral service will begin at 6 pm. The family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the Avengers Motorcycle Club for all of their support and assistance during this difficult time. Memorial contributions are appreciated to the family and/or the Avengers Motorcycle Club.