Thomas "Tom" Theodore Protsman, 86, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, passed away peacefully at home March 21, 2025, with his daughter, Marcey, and favorite caretaker, Brandy, at his side.

Tom was born in Sidney, Ohio, on October 25, 1938, to Roger and Mary Protsman. Tom was among the first in his family to attend college and he was a proud graduate of the Ohio State University graduating with a Doctor of Optometry in 1961. While at Ohio State, he was a trumpet player in "The Best Damn Band in the Land" and belonged to Phi Sigma Kappa Social and Epsilon Psi Epsilon Professional Fraternities.

Tom married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betsey" DeWitt, on September 2, 1961. Following their marriage, Tom entered the Air Force, and they were stationed at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico followed by Lajes Air Force Base in the Azores, Portugal, where their two oldest daughters were born. While at Lajes, Tom and Betsey made life-long friends, particularly with Tom's golfing buddies and their wives. Following the Air Force, the family settled in Vandalia, Ohio and welcomed their third daughter.

Tom was in Optometric Practice in Vandalia from 1965 until his retirement in 2008. He was active in the Vandalia Jaycees, Optimists, Lyons, and Chamber of Commerce and coached girls' softball for years with both Paul Banks and Gail Smith. A member of Miami Valley Golf Club, Tom was known for his golf game and wicked tennis shot. He continued playing both golf and tennis at Snee Farm Country Club when Tom and Betsey relocated to Mt Pleasant, SC in 2006.

Tom was predeceased by Betsey (2024) and is survived by his daughters, Libby Dixon, Marcey Halloran, and Katy Bradley; his grandchildren, Connor Dixon (Erin Hill), Maddie Shank (Ryan Shank), Elaine Halloran, Chase Dixon, and Hunter Bradley; his great-granddaughter, Charlie Elizabeth Shank; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, sister, Laura Lee Rust and niece, Cathy Rust.

Memorial Services will be held at Palmetto Presbyterian Church in Mt Pleasant, SC on Saturday, June 14. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Ohio State University Marching Band "TBDBITL Scholarship Fund".