Willard man inducted into hall of fame

Norwalk Reflector, Ohio
·2 min read

Dec. 1—COLUMBUS — If he was a young man at the Huron County Fair, he would have the title of "Showman of Showmen."

It may be a play on his name, but certainly not of his accomplishments.

Thomas M. Showman, of Willard, has been inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame — one of 954 veterans since its inception in 1992 — including this year's class of 20.

Each year, an executive committee, made up of representatives from Ohio's veterans organizations, selects up to 20 honorees. Inductees into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame served their country honorably and continue to serve their communities, state and nation after discharge through volunteerism, advocacy, professional distinction, public service and advocacy.

This is his bio:

Thomas M. Showman

Hall of Fame Class of 2022

Huron County

United States Army Veteran

When Thomas M. Showman retired from 26 years of military service, the same ambition he displayed while in the reserves and on active duty propelled him into his civilian career in the banking industry and eventually to the position of Vice President of Commercial Lending for the Special Markets Division and the Agri Business at Bank of America.

But Thomas wanted to help the residents and economy of his hometown so he returned there, accepting a lending job with Sutton Bank. He still works there to this day, as president of the bank. As a result of the team's efforts, Sutton has opened six new offices, increasing the bank's ability to service much of northern Ohio.

Thomas encourages and facilitates the bank's local outreach programs by sponsoring youth programs, including 4-H, sports and school events. He served on the board of Mercy Hospital for 15 years and influenced the construction of a new hospital in Willard, an entity that has since earned multiple accolades.

Thomas also served on the Willard City School Board for 12 years and on the Pioneer Career Technology School Board for 11 years. He assisted in planning the construction of the new Willard City School K-12 building and led the development and the funding plan for the state-of-the-art facility.

Thomas is actively involved in his church and serves as a role model for youth, coaching and mentoring many. A thoughtful leader who has bettered the lives of community members throughout northern Ohio, Thomas enters the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame at age 64.