Thomas Henry Russell, 93, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, after being in failing health the past three years. He was born August 26, 1931 in Monterey, IN to the late Clark and Eva (Wildermuth) Russell. Also preceding him in death were his five sisters & spouses: Lucy & Wilson Guise; Hazel & Paul Williams; Jane & Jack Croy; Faye & Joe Wilmer; Nina & James Sanders along with 5 brothers & spouses: Howard & Jean; Everett & Pauline; Verne & Theresa; James & Inez; John & Denise.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years Karen (Lahman) daughters Tracey (Al) Tank of Muncie, IN; Tamara (Dan) Johnson of Arvada, CO; son Troy Russell of Santa Clarita, CA.; Also survived by grandchildren Eric & Josh Tank, Sam & Kate Johnson and great grandson Jaxson Tank, and many nieces & nephews.
Tom graduated from the Leiters Ford high school, worked a short period of time in the Studebaker plant in South Bend, then opened a Sunoco service station and repair business in Leiters Ford. In 1970 he switched careers and established the Russell’s Automotive Store (NAPA) in Valpo from which he retired in 1996.
He enjoyed golfing and was one of the original organizers of the Men’s Senior League of Forest Park Golf Course. Competing in shuffleboard occupied his winter months while in Florida.
His “Celebration of Life” will be held Friday, December 27, 1-4 CST @ Forest Park Golf Clubhouse Welter Room, 1155 Sheffield Dr., Valpo. Light refreshments will be served. Eulogy and sharing will be at 2:00.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to go to: Indiana Home Care of NW Indiana, 502 Marquette St., Valpo, 46383.
GUESTBOOK
We have enjoyed the friendship with both Karen and Tom. We wish the family the very best and hang on to the good memories. May God Bless you. -Ernie and Linda Hostetler
It was so very sad to hear the passing of Uncle Tom I remember all the stories and good times with him and grandpa Russell making homemade ice cream and visiting. He holds a special place in my heart. Love to aunt Karen and family You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs. -Haideee (Russell) Temme and family
To everyone who knew "Uncle Tom", my sympathy for our loss. Everyone I know loved Uncle Tom. And, the reasons we loved him so very dearly was that he always loved his first. He was a great father, friend and family member. He sincerely loved each of us. And now we feel a great loss. May we be comforted by our memories of him. May his memory be eternal in heaven. -Nancy Erickson
I have so many great memories when you were here in Leiters Ford. Even more so when I went to stay with Troy and family when you moved to Valpo. You treated me like family. Thinking of you all. -Martin Nelson
I love you Great Uncle Tom! Thank you for many amazing stories! I enjoyed my visits with you & Aunt Karen. You will be missed so dearly. -MaKenzie Mabie (Linda’s Holdmann’s Granddaughter)
