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
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I’m so sorry for the loss of your loved one…he was such a kind and sweet person rip solider
RIP Fella Kiah my condolences to the family
So sad for your loss been knowing this family for years.Me and his mother was the best of friend.So sweetheart Rest in peace.Praying for your family.Amen and Amen and Amen Again.
To the family of Thomas, our sincere condolences to you, we are praying for each and every one of you.
To the family sending my heartfelt condolences prayers.
Always have been like family sending my prayers
It is with a heart full of sadness that I send condolences to you all on the passing of your loved one “Fella” Words can only do so much so I pray that you will find for comfort and strength during this difficulty trial.
Sending sincere condolences to the Kiah family in the loss of their loved one “Fella”. Praying for you all. Rest Easy my friend.
My condolences and prayers to the Kiah (Fella) Family.
Luv you cuz we done had some great times together in the last 50yrs. You will be missed
Fella was like family to us. We have know him for at least 40+ years. Praying for this lovely family. May he rest in peace.
The Lindsay Family (Second Ave)
Sending my condolences during this difficult time.
Sending our deepest condolences to your family.
Love,
The Infinite Learning Center
Sending love and prayers to Ms. DC, Lynn, and the entire family. Tommy will be missed.
My heartfelt condolences to this family. I’ve known Fella since the sandboxes and swings on king street. He was one special guy and he will be missed ❤️❤️
Wow I’m still at a loss for words. I can say so many things about best friend, my brother from another mother. Everybody knows we created so many different memories good, bad, and definitely some ugly. We are up there with my brother fast Eddie now. I will always have nothing but love for you. Rest easy my brother Love “Pretty Tony” From Anthony and Melikia Bishop, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
Sending my sincere condolences to the entire family especially to my cuz Lynn who was a pillar of strength during Fella’s last journey here on earth. Praying for you cuz. I love you and yours. Love Dottie
For I’m deeply saddened by the news of His passing. To the family my deepest condolences. I pray that comfort and strengthen the family.
Sincerely Jerry M Boswell and family.
To the family sending our condolences and prayers.
Sincerely Diane Cowan, Beverly & Jerel Fowler and Gwen Alexander Norwood.
To the family of “Fella” Kiah, Please lean on God during this difficult time in your lives. Just know that God has welcomed Fella home. May God continue to bless you and your family!
I pray for comfort and strength during this devastating challenge in your lives. I remember Fella for his style and grace. Always had a smile to share and a story to tell.
Love you
Malinda “Lynn” Black
D.C. you have my deepest sympathy. I pray that God be with you in this time of sorrow. Sincerely Barbara Bishop. Buffalo, New York
Mansfield has now truly lost one of the Brightest Lights that has ever shown there. Fella absolutely Loved Laughter and keeping Big Smiles on all of the faces he came in contact with and will continuously be Loved, Missed and Cherished by all who’s lives have been made brighter by his insatiable humor. My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his entire family and friends.
Our sincere condolences to Fella’ family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
To the family of Tommy Kiah, we are so sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy. God be with you.
Terry Clark and Beverly Cline.