Tom Heydinger being sworn in by Judge John Ridge for the fourth time as juvenile-probate court judge in Norwalk.
Thomas Heydinger was born in 1940 to Herbert and Erma Heydinger on the young couple's first farmstead on Kenestrick Road. Tom attended school at Mother of Sorrows Parish School, survived Sr. Barbara and her cohorts, graduated from the eighth grade, and then left for the seminary at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington OH
Tom left the seminary in his fifth year there and then attended the University of Dayton where he majored in political science. After graduation, he then attended law school at Ohio Northern University in Ada OH. He then left for Vietnam where he did a little JAG work and also worked on and flew helicopters. Upon his return to the States, he moved to Norwalk where he lived a short time with his Uncle Frank and Aunt Alice. He began to practice law with the Owens Law Firm until he decided to run for political office.
Having been apppointed to fulfill an unexpired term as juvenile-probate judge, Tom then won his first full term in Huron County, then went on to serve four more terms. He amassed an enviable record on the bench and instituted many reforms.
In 1980 Tom married Margaret "Peggy" Grady in St. Mary's Church in Wakeman OH. Peggy brought two children to the marriage, David and Kelly, whom Tom helped raise. The two have given Tom and Peggy six grandchildren.
Exactly how old is Tom? Well, you know how varrious history minded groups have been doing oral histories of WWII veterans to get their stories before they pass away? A similar group has been doing the same work to capture Ohio's former judiciary before they pass. They have done a very flattering article on Tom, and it is featured at this website. But be sure you have time before you go there: they did a VERY thorough job! Be gentle if you post a comment at the end!