Thomas D. Karcher, 83, passed away from cancer on Friday December 16, 2011 at the Normady Manor in Rocky River. Mr. Karcher was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School, John Carroll University and the University of Detroit. He was a veteran of the United States Army and became an accomplished engineer, having 11 patents. He was employed with Jack & Heinz, Weatherhead Corp., and Airborne, and was also employed with Hansen Mfg. Company (Tuthill) (Eaton), the company from which he retired. Mr. Karcher was a long time member of both the Cleveland Yachting Club and the Catawba Island Club. He was the husband of Jean T. (nee Tinnerman), father of Thomas T, Robert W. (Joy) of Pinehurst, NC., Jeanette Kirwin (Bob) and the late James C. (Lisa, surviving); grandfather of Justin, Julia, Jacqueline, Hailey and Lindsay Karcher, Jack, Jeff and Robert Thomas Kirwin. Brother of Jean Kolsom (Paul deceased) and the late Julia Ranftl, Lillian Karcher and William Karcher; Private Family Services were held. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue,Cleveland, OH 44195. Special thanks to Caring Tree, Caregivers, Harbinger Hospice, Normany Manor and Jennifer Beach, advocate for Elders LLC.