Thomas R. Wehr

Thomas R. Wehr

1942 - 2025

Thomas Richard Wehr, 83, of Orwigsburg, PA, was welcomed into God’s loving arms on Saturday, October 18, 2025 in Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, Orwigsburg surrounded by his family. 

He was the husband of Gwen (Glover) Wehr.  They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on August 13th of this year.  Born in Summit Hill, he was a son of the late Leighton and Ruth (Hawk) Wehr.

He was a graduate of Summit Hill High School Class of 1960, a graduate of Texas Lutheran College Class of 1968 with a degree in Health and Physical Education, and then earned his Athletic Trainer certificate from West Chester University.

He was employed as a Physical Education and Health Teacher for Edna High School in Texas for 1 year, Carbon County School for Special Education for 1 year, Panther Valley High School for 3 years and Blue Mountain High School for 31 years until his retirement.  He was an Athletic Trainer and Athletic Director at Blue Mountain.  In 2004, he was awarded the Schuylkill League Athletic Director of the Year.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Orwigsburg where he was a member of the church council, church choir, the Men of St. Paul’s,  Adult forum and also a Sunday school teacher.

He was a charter member of the Carbon County All Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted into its class of 2012.

He was a past Blue Mountain School Board Member. Tom was the founder of the Blue Mountain Sports Hall of Fame which he was inducted into and was also the founder of the Blue Mountain Track and Field Alumni Association. 

He was a member of the Summit Hill Sons of the American Legion and a cofounder of the Summit Hill Historical Society.

Tom was not only a teacher, but also a coach. He coached wrestling, basketball, football and track and field at both the Panther Valley and Blue Mountain School Districts.

To know Tom was to know his passion for Penn State- he bled blue and white. Whether it was football in the fall or wrestling in the winter, he was a true fan through and through. Memorial Day held a special place in his heart and he was especially proud of the annual Patriotic Concert at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, a tradition he deeply valued. But more than anything, Tom loved his family. He was always there- at every game, every celebration, every important moment. Nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by the people he loved, and his grandchildren were truly the light of his life.

Surviving along with his wife are daughters Tammy O’Donnell and her husband Kevin of Media, PA and Rebecca Miller and her husband Kenneth of Cressona, PA; a son Andrew Wehr of Sea Bright, NJ; grandchildren Kristen O’Donnell, Patrick O’Donnell, Thomas “TJ” Wagner, Victoria Wagner and Gavin Wehr; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister Evelyn Plechavy and brothers Russell, Frank, James, Robert, Donald, and John.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 24, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 215 N. Warren St., Orwigsburg, PA 17961 with Rev. Michael Petrusky. Interment will be held in Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Summit Hill. Visitation is Thursday night 6-8 P.M. and Friday morning 9-9:45 A.M. in the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in his name to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Blue Mountain Track and Field Alumni Association, or Summit Hill Historical Society. Online condolences at www.blazoskyfh.com.

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