Feb 20, 2022

Thomas E. Teagarden, 68, of Washington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 17, 2022.

He was born July 16, 1953, in Wheeling, West Virginia, the son of the late Thomas and Patty Sue Riggs Teagarden.

Tom graduated from McGuffey High School in 1971, where he was Senior and Junior Class President, Prom King, four-year letter winner in cross-country and a three-year letter winner in track. He continued on a full athletic scholarship to Penn State University (main campus) for his Bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreational Parks, graduating in 1976.

He was a member of the PSEA, Cokeburg Moose, NRA, and Penn State Wrestling Club.

On August 10, 1996, Tom married Genevieve “Jenny” Lynn Manderick Teagarden, who survives.

In his immediate family, he is also survived by his four siblings: Teryl Clutter (Phil) of West Finley, Doug Teagarden (Chris) of West Alexander, Robin (Ed) Smith of Washington, and Chad (Bobbie Jo) of West Alexander; his sister-in-law, Susan Teagarden of Akron, Ohio.

In his extended family he is survived by brothers-in-law, Don (deceased), EV, Carl, Michael (deceased), Jim, Edmund, Ed, Charlie, Craig, and Lou; and sisters-in-law, Dee, Patsy, Rose, Bernadette, and Jeannette.

A son Thomas E. Teagarden, Jr. (Clarissa) also survives, along with three grandchildren, Tommy, Megan, and US Marine PFC Jeremy (Katelyn); and two great-grandchildren, Baylee Paige and Addison Mae; and many nieces, nephews, and very close friends.

Deceased is a brother, best friend, and partner in crime who he missed dearly, Charles Nelson Teagarden, formerly of Sandusky, Ohio.

He had an exceptional wrestling career. Tom was a five-time PA Junior Olympic State Champion when there was only two age divisions. He was featured in Sports Illustrated “Faces in the Crowd” in 1967 for wrestling. In 1969, he was the PIAA State wrestling champion at 95 pounds, having not been taken down and giving up only eight points the entire year. In 1969, Tom wrestled on the first ever PA Freestyle and Greco-Roman team, placing fifth in the national tournament with never seeing nor wrestling Greco-Roman. In 1970, he was the state runner up at 103 pounds only to lose in overtime. Tom was undefeated in dual meets with one tie and a high school career record of 68-3-1. In 1971, he placed third in national freestyle.

Tom was the first Freshman to start at Penn State University (1972). He held the record for fastest fall, 0:22, from 1976 to 1992. He was a two-time EIWA runner-up at 118 pounds and a two time qualifier for the NCAAs. Unfortunately he had a career ending knee injury his Junior year.

“Toughie from McGuffey” was inducted into the McGuffey Hall of Fame, Washington – Greene County Hall of Fame, and Pennsylvania State Hall of Fame.

In 1976-77, he started the first wrestling program at Bentworth School District. With much determination, by the third year, Bentworth had a winning record! In 1991, Tom coached the team to the WPIAL team title, naming him “Coach of the Year.” With this accomplishment, he coached the Dapper Dan PA Wresting team to victory over the United States team. He coached numerous section, WPIAL winning titles and several state place winners throughout his coaching career.

Wrestling gave “Coach T” the opportunity to meet great people in the wrestling community. He loved working the wrestling clinics for over 25 years and found great satisfaction and privilege to work with and meet so many great coaches and wrestlers that had a huge impact on student athletes’ lives. He attended the PIAA tournaments for over 50 years and watched all wrestling. He felt it was a great honor to meet several National, World, and Olympic champions.

In addition to his love for wrestling, Tom loved the outdoors! He loved to hunt, farm, and thoroughly enjoyed nature, and he loved spending time with family and friends no one was ever a stranger to Tom.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlee’s Bentleyville Funeral Home, Bentleyville, Pennsylvania. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, at the Bentworth High School gymnasium, 75 Bearcat Drive, Bentleyville, where services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, February 21, 2022, with Pastor Joe DiDonato officiating.

Floral deliveries may be made to the funeral home at 619 Main Street, Bentleyville, PA.

Interment will follow at Washington Cemetery, Washington.

Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.greenleefuneralhome.com.