Thomas “Tom” Edmond Murray
Thomas “Tom” Edmond Murray, 85, of Winamac, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at his daughter’s home in Winamac.
Tom was born May 13, 1933, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kokomo, to the late Thomas L. and Marguerite (Trottier) Murray. Tom was a 1951 graduate of Winamac High School. He went on to join the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean Conflict where he served in Japan and Korea for two years. Upon his return, he met Thelma L. Mocherman of Flora, and they were married on Sept. 29, 1956.
Tom’s family moved to Winamac when he was 5 years old so he could attend St. Peter’s parochial school. He later served as a member of the St. Peter’s Parish Council and president for two years. He participated in 10 years of 4-H, went on to become a leader and served on the Pulaski County Fair Board for 10 years. Tom was the first chairman of the Miss Pulaski County Queen Pageant and organized the Winamac chapter of Jaycees, where he served as president for two years. Tom was one of the original trustees of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital during its construction, was a foundation member for five years and served on the PMH Board for 10 years.
Tom had a passion for life. He particularly held a passion for family and his Irish heritage. Another one of his loves was farming, which led him to grow and distill mint in addition to other crops and raise animals during the years. He loved his peppermint fields. He was the first farmer in the county to farm no till and 20” rows. After retiring from farming, Tom managed the Winamac Co-operative Elevator for five years and operated his own realty office for 10 years. He also was a transporter for the Pulaski County Food Pantry.
Tom was a lifelong enthusiast for the Winamac schools, especially attending the events of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Tom was named to Who’s Who Among Outstanding Young Men of America, received the Prairie Farmer Master Farmer Award and was later a recipient of the local Halleck Award. He was a member of the Winamac VFW and American Legion.
Tom enjoyed playing golf, poker, blackjack and cards with friends and family. He was an avid race fan and often attended the Indianapolis 500. He had a love for travel; taking his family on several trips. Tom and Thelma saw many parts of the world while they were young and able to enjoy. Tom and Thelma passed on their wanderlust to their children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his sons: Tom J. Murray and Tim [Joan] Murray; daughter Theresa [Patrick] Blankenship; brothers: Jim [Rita] Murray and Robert [Suzanne] Murray; grandchildren: Jamie Murray [Mike Craft], Amy Murray, Anne [Kent] Wamsley, Wade Berger, Chance Blankenship, Emerald Blankenship, Madeline Murray, Mary [Travis] Werner, Max Murray; great-grandchildren: Robert Collins, Laini Joseph, Kamden Long, Baylor Fritz and Isaiah Wamsley; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Thelma; and great-granddaughter Brooklyn Collins.
Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 22, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. A scriptural wake service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, June 22, at the church. A rosary service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. A funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at the church with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pulaski County 4-H Fair Board.
(Pulaski County Journal — June 20, 2018)