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You are here: Home / Obituaries / Rev. Thomas J. McInnes

Rev. Thomas J. McInnes

McInnesTom WEB

Rev. Thomas J. McInnes, Chaplain (Col), US Army Retired, accepted his final assignment to be present with his Lord Jesus Christ on Dec 16th, surrounded by his loving family.

Rev. McInnes leaves a legacy of lifelong Christian service. Countless people have been touched by his preaching and outreach. He considered himself to be a missionary to the military serving in both war zones and peacetime. His warmth, generosity, and vision will be sorely missed.

Tom, son of the late Thomas Wiley McInnes and Ruth Jackson McInnes, was born Sept 12, 1927 in Westfield NJ; raised in Sebring FL; high-schooled in Williamsville NY; attended the University of Rochester NY, and graduated from Houghton College NY with a BS in Chemistry in 1953, after periods of USAF enlisted service. He then graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1957 and was ordained as an American Baptist clergyman and reserve Army Chaplain.
After six years of ministry, he was recalled to active duty in 1963 until his retirement in October 1978, serving two combat tours in Vietnam at Qui Nhon (1963) and Cu Chi (1967), three and a half years in Germany, and at eleven other Army posts, camps and stations. After retirement from the Army, he served three years as a troop counselor at Aberdeen Proving Grounds MD, eight years as pastor of First Baptist Church, Lancaster, then three years as Chaplain at Country Meadows of Lancaster. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, RVing, camping, traveling, and crossword puzzles. He did additional post-graduate studies, receiving an M.Div. from Eastern and an M.S. from Long Island University. He was a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College.

He is survived by his dear wife of 67 years, Ruth Kaebnick McInnes, daughters Rebecca, MI, and Rachel (Phillip Knepper), MO, sons Dr. Thomas K. (Dr. Robin Mevissen), MD and Timothy E. (Sena Parsons), Millersville, PA, and sister Janet M. (Rev. John Sinkevitch), WA. He was preceded in death by daughter Ruth Amelia (Mrs. Dean Baker) and brother Ronald A, TSgt, USAF, Retired. There are seven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Tom was an active volunteer in various areas at Willow Valley Communities where he and Ruth have resided since March 1999, as well as being involved in ministry activities at Lancaster’s First Baptist Church. He was also a life member of the Military Officers’ Organization and a founding member of the Susquehanna chapter of the Military Chaplains’ Association.

After a private graveside service, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 in the Orr Auditorium of Willow Valley Manor, 211 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster PA 17602, at 2:00 p.m. The family will greet friends in the Orr Auditorium from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Water Street Mission, 210 S. Prince St, Lancaster PA 17603 in memory of Rev. Thomas J. McInnes.

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Condolence Messages

  1. Sue, Jason, Abby & Gavin

    December 20, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    Thank you for your service Grampa McInnes , you were inspiration and always showed Gods love, you will be missed! Grama McInnes our sincerest Condolences . We send our love from afar.

    Reply
  2. Tammy Clack

    December 20, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Tim and family,

    It is with sympathy that I offer my condolences to you and your family during your time of bereavement, may God comfort you in your time of need.

    Sincerely,

    Tammy Clack
    Employee Health PAH

    Reply
  3. Michael Lucotch Family

    December 20, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    You have our family’s deepest sympathy. Please know you are all in our prayers.

    Reply
  4. Arlene & Carl Bennett

    December 22, 2017 at 12:02 am

    Dearest Ruth and family,

    We send our most sincere sympathy and have fond memories of your visits. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers.

    With love to all,

    Reply
  5. Rachael & Bassam Hammoudeh

    December 23, 2017 at 10:03 am

    Dear Mrs. McInnes, Tom & Robin, and all members of this loving Family,

    We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet this delightful husband, father, and person. He will be missed. We are sending our deep sympathies and warm hugs.

    Rachael & Bassam

    Reply
  6. Joseph b. Pozza

    December 31, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    Pastor Thomas J McInnes was a great asset to the neighborhood to the people of Frederick and North Christians st.He always had a kind wordto all mostly to the neighborhoosd children.I often remember him arriving for church with his lovely wife in his Buick. He will always be remembered for his kind and gentle manner. A neighbor Joseph B. Pozza!!!.

    Reply
  7. Anne Knepper

    January 2, 2018 at 11:28 am

    My deepest condolences to the family. One of my greatest regrets is not “knowing” you all. I’ve always heard so many wonderful stories growing up from my Stepmother Rachel. It breaks my heart not being able to be there for her. All too often we lose sight of what’s really important in life. Something I shall have to work harder on….

    Reply
  8. Faye Helicher

    January 2, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    I can keep this brief-Tom will be remembered as a truly “good guy”. He was a gentleman and an amazing good listener.
    Faye & Larry Helicher

    Reply

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