SALEM - Thomas Dean Capel, 73, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Salem Regional Medical Center.

Born on May 20, 1952, in Salem, Ohio, Tom was the son of Burt Carl Capel, Jr. and Jean A. (Lantz) Paxson. He grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and determination that remained with him throughout his life. He worked from the age of nine, taking on a paper route, mowing grass, and working at the local A&P Grocery Store. Those early experiences helped shape the dependable, hardworking man he became.

Tom was a graduate of Salem High School, Class of 1970, where he met the love of his life, Sue C. Leider. They were married on June 10, 1972 and began a journey filled with devotion, partnership, and family. After graduation, Tom answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Over the next 20 years, Tom and Sue built a life together while raising their three children around the country and overseas as he fulfilled his military service. Their journey took them to Mountain Home AFB in Idaho, Upper Heyford AFB in England, Pease AFB in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Lowry AFB in Colorado, Lakenheath AFB in England, and finally Cannon AFB in New Mexico. In each location, Tom ensured that his family experienced the beauty, history, and culture of the area.

In the Air Force, Tom served as an avionics technician, working on F-111 aircraft, and also as a Military Training Instructor. He loved his career in the Air Force and took great pride in being part of a team that worked with purpose and discipline. He retired from the Air Force in 1991 with the rank of Master Sargeant and returned to Salem where he worked for the United States Postal Service until his retirement at the age of 62.

In retirement, Tom enjoyed the simple things – planting his annual garden, feeding the birds, and watching game shows. He loved following sports and was a loyal fan of his Cleveland teams.

Tom leaves to carry on his memory, his wife of 53 years, Sue; children: Heather (Johnnie) Butler of Deatsville, AL, Abi (Simon) Werle of Fortville, IN, and Thomas Matthew (Katie) Capel of Fairview Park, OH; sisters: Janis (Jeff) Paynter of England, Pamela (Kenny) Koran of Florida, and Barbara (David) Shaffer of Salem; grandchildren: Nathan Butler, Joshua and Hannah Werle, and Jacob, Samantha, and Brady Capel; and mother-in-law: Martha Leider of Salem.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, David Capel.

Per Tom's request, there are no calling hours or service.

Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Tom's name to the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Tom's obituary and send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.