Thomas W. Kiah Iii

Thomas Waldo Kiah III affectionately known as “Fella” passed this life on Sunday, May 28, 2023 after an extended illness. He was born on July 10, 1965 in Salisbury, Maryland to Thomas Waldo Kiah II and Charlotte Diane (Stillwell) Kiah.

A 1983 Graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, he continued his education following the legacy of his great grandfather, Dr Thomas Henry Kiah who was the longest serving President of Princess Anne College nee Princess Anne Academy; known to us today as The Historically Black College (HBCU) University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). Named in his honor, Kiah Hall currently stands strong on the campus of UMES housing it business department. Honored to uphold the Kiah last name, Fella was extremely proud of the legacy that his family carries.

Fella was very charming – hence his chosen street name “Mello” but also known for his silly sense of humor, and his “gift of gab”. He was indeed an entertainer and was always the life of the party!! He could make you laugh out loud and then follow up with something so intellectual that it would make you have to stop and think. He enjoyed “all things” sports with a Bud Light in hand. Football, Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Soccer and Basketball…being a Lebron James super fan! Throughout the years, he was employed with various manufacturers in Mansfield and its surrounding areas, ending his employment in April 2022 at Newman Technology due to his illness.

There’s one thing about Fella that we all know to be true, he took a lot of pride in his appearance. Known to some as “Fella Fresh” for his bodacious sense of style, known to others as “Polo Man” because Ralph Lauren was his favorite designer. A splash of cologne, a fresh haircut, a finely fit fedora, and a pair of shoes for every outfit, he always dressed to impress and will be remembered for his million dollar smile that made a lasting impression on everyone he came in contact with. He will be missed immensely.

In addition to both of his parents, he leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life, Lynn Perdue-Logan, their children Thomas Waldo Kiah IV (Carissa) and Taryn Kiah (Grandson, MaSiah Hoults), Bonus daughter, Laila Logan all of Detroit, MI. Son, Thomas Shandon Kiah of Tampa, FL.

3 Daughters, Kineesha Kiah, (Granddaughter, Ashia), JaVateona Jones (Brian), (Grandson BJ) both of Columbus, OH. and Kamelia Holt (Grandson Bryson & Granddaughter Lynniah) of Mansfield, OH.

3 Sisters, Kimberly Lindsay (Edward) of Mansfield, OH., Shevelle Kiah of Columbus, OH & Jennifer Collins (Jamyel) of Boston, MA. Special Brothers: Antonio “T Bone” Bowens, Darren Graves and Kenny Graves. Special Sister: Kelly Graves, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to include Special Cousin: Taymara Graves & Special Niece: Niesha Lindsay of Bronx, New York.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Eloise Stillwell, his paternal grandfather Thomas Waldo Kiah Sr., paternal grandmother; Lois Kiah and Bonus Grandmother, Mrs. Harlena Graves in which he shared an unbreakable bond.

Visitation 11:00 AM and Memorial Service 12:00 PM Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, MANSFIELD CHAPEL,753 McPherson St. (formerly Williams Funeral Services). To stream the service, read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to The KIAH Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com