Tom "Mr. Kawasaki" Sudman, 67, of Saint Marys, died 5:18 A.M. Sunday, November 4, 2018, at his residence, following a brief illness.

He was born December 24, 1950, in Celina, the son of Donald and Betty (Thomas) Sudman. He married Shirley Frahm on February 7, 1995; she survives at the residence.

He is also survived by his son, Mike (Liz) Sudman of Celina; by two step-children: Mike Teeters of Celina; Jamie (Dale) Secrest of Celina. He is survived nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom was a 1969 graduate of Saint Marys Memorial High School. He retired after 37 years of service with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Saint Marys. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Saint Marys.

Tom was a national champion motorcycle drag racer known across the country as "Mr. Kawasaki".

Drag racing website CycleDrag.com commented on Tom's death this way: "Unfortunate news to report as legendary, Ohio-based motorcycle bracket racer Tom Sudman has passed away. Sudman was always a threat to win any national event he entered. He loved the sport and his Kawasakis. Please keep Sudman's family in your thoughts and prayers".

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 9, 2018, at Zion Lutheran Church, the Reverend Bill Maki, officiant. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-8 P.M. Thursday at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, where memorial gifts may be given to State of the Heart Hospice or Zion Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be sent to Tom's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.