Thomas Edwin Friskney, 85, of Hamersville, died Jan. 25 at University Hospital in Cincinnati.

Friskney was born in Edon, Ohio. He enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from high school and served in the occupation forces in Japan. After marrying Ruth, he began a long association with Cincinnati Bible Seminary (now Cincinnati Christian University). As a student, he earned AB, MA, and BD degrees and began his teaching career in 1954. His teaching included the fields of New Testament, theology, Greek and English for more than 50 years.

In addition he dedicated himself to preaching in local churches until he was 80 years old. His ministries included Pandora Church of Christ, Columbia Church of Christ (his home church), Hamersville Church of Christ and Saltair Church of Christ. His longest ministry came with Hamersville church and after retiring from CCU, he returned there as preaching minister in 2002.

Friskney is survived by his wife Ruth of 65 years, children Steve (Debbie) and Paul (Ann) Friskney, Elizabeth (David) Love, Esther Fike, Lois (Bob) Santel and Sara (Jason) Jones, siblings Dorothy Hake and Donna Oberlin, dozens of grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Frank and Iva Mae Friskney, brothers Frank, Victor and Raymond Friskney, sister Phyllis Disbro and son-in-law C.M. Fike.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Hamersville Church of Christ at 2 p.m. May 3 with visitation one hour prior to service. Memorials to International Disaster Emergency Service, P.O. Box 379, Noblesville, IN 46061, the Alumni Scholarship Fund at Cincinnati Christian University, 2700 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45204, or ministry of donor’s choice.