Reverend Thomas R. Axe passed away on October 4, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born on March 7, 1934, in Hamilton, Ohio and was baptized at St. Joseph Church, Hamilton. He did his preparatory studies at St. Gregory Seminary, Cincinnati, and studied theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West, Norwood. Father Axe received a master’s degree in history from Xavier University. He was ordained on May 28, 1960, at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Cincinnati, by Archbishop Karl J. Alter.

Father Axe received his first assignment on June 15, 1960, as assistant at St. James Church, White Oak. He also served as an assistant at the following parishes: St. Clare Parish, Cincinnati [1964-66]; St. Patrick Parish, Northside [1966-1967]; St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Monfort Heights [1967-1969]. During his appointments as assistant, he was also appointed to staff at McAuley High School, Cincinnati [1962-1969]. From June 1969 to July 1970, he was assigned (on loan) outside the archdiocese to the staff of Theological College, Washington, D.C. On July 15, 1970, Father Axe was appointed to the faculty at St. Gregory Seminary. On August 26, 1970, he was also appointed assistant at St. Bernard Parish and Mother of Christ Mission, Winton Place, then appointed administrator of St. Bernard and Mother of Christ on October 27, 1970, while continuing on the faculty at St. Gregory Seminary. On June 20, 1975, he was appointed co-pastor of St. Clare Parish, Cincinnati. On October 14, 1977, Father Axe was appointed pastor of St. Raphael Parish, Springfield. On January 26, 1978, he was appointed Dean of the Springfield Deanery for four years, and in September he was appointed Spiritual Director of the Springfield Particular Council of St. Vincent de Paul Society. On January 8, 1980, he was appointed Director of the Permanent Diaconate Program and to the staff of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program. On August 2, 1980, he was appointed chaplain at the Convent of St. Ursula, McMillan St., while continuing as Director of the Permanent Diaconate Program. On April 16, 1981, he was appointed associate, ad cautelam, at Assumption Parish, Walnut Hills, then appointed associate, ad cautelam, at St. Mary Parish, Hyde Park, on March 14, 1983. Both appointments were assigned while continuing as Director of the Permanent Diaconate Program as well as chaplain at St. Ursula Convent. On December 18, 1985, he was appointed temporary administrator of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Cincinnati, and then appointed pastor on March 15, 1986. On January 8, 1994, he was appointed temporary administrator of St. Agnes Parish, Cincinnati. Father Axe was appointed pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, Cincinnati, for a period of six years, effective July 5, 1994. He was reappointed as pastor of Good Shepherd Parish for an additional six years on July 6, 2000. Father Axe retired from active ministry on November 1, 2003.

Visitation before Mass: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at Community of the Good Shepherd Church, 8815 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249; (513-489-8815). The closest doors are #2 and #3.

Memorial Mass: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Community of the Good Shepherd Church. Celebrant: Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer. Homilist: Reverend Michael J. Graham, SJ.

Reception after Mass: immediately following in the Community Room at Good Shepherd Church.

There will be no committal at this time. Father Axe donated his body to science.