Thomas Salinas Chenhalls

CHENHALLS, Thomas Salinas, age 82, passed away August 29, 2026, beloved husband of Teresa (nee Portales) Chenhalls, loving father of Teresina (Randy) Glanton and Lucille (Anthony) Pagán, caring grandfather of Adriana Glanton, Antonio Glanton, Diego Pagán and Emilio Pagán, dear brother of the late Maria del Pilar (late Ernie) Flurry, Robert Chenhalls, Jim Chenhalls, Alicia (Rick) Johnson, Rosie (Dave) Stolk and Ed (Donna) Chenhalls. Thomas Chenhalls was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, on January 19, 1944, and came to Pontiac, Michigan, where he was raised alongside his parents and six siblings. He graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Pontiac in 1962. In 1966, Thomas was drafted into the United States Army and served with the 9th Infantry Division as a Sergeant in a Long Range Reconnaissance Squad in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. His courage and dedication to his fellow soldiers earned him both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. In 1973, Thomas married the love of his life, Teresa, beginning a partnership of almost 53 (September 12) years filled with love, devotion, and family. Together, they welcomed their daughters, Teresina in 1979 and Lucille in 1981, and Thomas embraced fatherhood with great pride. His family was always at the heart of his life, and the love he shared with them was among his greatest joys. Thomas devoted an extraordinary 42 years of his working life to General Motors, beginning his career in Pontiac and later moving to Defiance, Ohio, in 1985. He ultimately retired in 2002 as a General Supervisor, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, commitment, and service. Retirement gave Thomas more time to enjoy the things he loved most: being with his family, traveling, and riding his motorcycle. In 2020, Thomas and Teresa moved to Cincinnati to be closer to his daughter’s families and grandkids. In his spare time, he found another meaningful way to serve. He became actively involved with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 10, serving on its Board of Directors, as well as serving as a Trustee for the Vietnam Veterans of Southwest Ohio. Thomas never forgot the veterans who had served alongside him, and he believed deeply in giving back to those who had sacrificed for their country. He generously volunteered his time visiting veterans in their homes and in hospice, offering something that came naturally to him—his presence, his compassion, and his friendship. He understood that sometimes the greatest gift we can give another person is simply to be there. Thomas lived a life defined by courage, loyalty, love, and service. His greatest legacy was not the cars he worked on, the places he traveled, or even the years he served his country- it was the family he loved so deeply. His life was well lived, his service deeply meaningful, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was, and always will be so very loved. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday September 10, 2026 at 12:00PM at The Community of Good Shepherd, 8815 E Kemper Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45249 with visitation at 10:45AM-11:45AM. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Road Montgomery, Ohio 45249. Reception details TBD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati.

Thomas Salinas Chenhalls

January 19, 1944 - August 29, 2026