Thomas Ray Kalb, 85, of Portsmouth, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was born November 17, 1938, in Portsmouth, the son of the late Ray Hubert and Margaret Daphene Lyons Kalb.
A 1956 graduate of Portsmouth High School, Tom was an avid bowler. He began bowling while serving with the U.S. Navy. When he returned home, he continued the sport at the former Classic Lanes, Sunset and Rainbow Lanes and was eventually joined by his wife and children. Tom was inducted into the Portsmouth United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame.
Tom worked at Norfolk & Southern Railroad for more than 25 years, retiring as a yardmaster in 1995, and he was also a huge fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
On June 19, 1982, he married Brenda Diane Miller Kalb, and the couple had been married for 34 years at the time of Brenda’s death on March 2, 2017.
Surviving are his two sons, Thomas Michael Kalb of Portsmouth and Robert Ray Kalb of Orlando, FL; two daughters, Jennifer May (Jimmy) Velazquez of Minford and Mandy Louise (Mark) Schmidt of Portsmouth; and seven grandchildren, Michael Ray Kalb, Jessica, Miles and Addylin Velazquez, and Skylar, Creed and Jayda Schmidt.
Tom was also preceded in death by his infant brother George.
Funeral services will be held at 3 P.M. Sunday at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Dennis Dawes, Minister officiating. The James Dickey Post American Legion Honor Detail will provide military rites.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 to 3 P.M. at the funeral home.
Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to SOMC Hospice at 2201-25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.