Thomas Luther Blinn

Thomas L. Blinn, 80, of Winamac, passed away Monday evening, Feb. 23, at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.

Tom was born on July 30, 1934, on his family’s farm outside Star City, in Van Buren Township, Pulaski County, to the late Luther A. and P. May (House) Blinn.

He married Charlotte C. Haselby on March 20, 1960, who survives, along with daughter Lore [Randy] Gibson and grandchildren Maia Gibson and James Gibson, of Lafayette, and stepsister Marie Brown of Florida. He was preceded in death by his son, Mike Blinn, and granddaughters Susanna, Corinne and Emme Gibson.

Upon graduation from Star City High School in 1952, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from Purdue University in 1956. He served his country during peacetime in the U.S. Army for two years.

Following his father and grandfather as a farmer, Tom took great pride in bettering his family’s life and contributing to feed the world. For 30 years, in addition to farming, he worked as a salesman for Pioneer Hybrids.

Tom was a member of the Star City United Methodist Church, serving as treasurer, member of the administrative board, and adult Sunday school teacher for many years. He served on the Pulaski County Fair Board and as president of the Star City West Cemetery Board. When elected to the school board for the Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation, he aided in the consolidation of the middle and elementary schools. Winamac Lodge No. 262 of the Free and Accepted Masons awarded him a 50-year lifetime membership in 2013. In the last five years, Tom was a member of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Tom was a dedicated golfer, Cubs fan, sports lover, and John Deere guy. Upon retirement, he enjoyed afternoon “tea time” with his friends at the Oak Grove in Star City. Other than peach, he always loved a good piece of pie. Except for college, the military and winters in Tucson, Arizona, where he soaked up the sun and golfed with friends, Pulaski County was his home.

Friends may call from 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, until the time of services at the Star City United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. at Star City United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ruth Waite officiating. Inurnment will be in the Star City West Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Star City United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.