Thomas J. Roth
Thomas Joe Roth, 74, of Star City, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 11.
He was born on Aug. 2, 1950 in Winamac to the late Howard William and Mildred Opal (Bonnell) Roth. He was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. Tom went to school in Pulaski through the 8th grade and graduated from Winamac High School in 1968. He was a ten-year member of Pulaski County 4-H and was crowned Achievement King in 1969. He attended Purdue University for two years and made many friends while there.
While in high school, Tom met the love of his life, June Ellen Thompson. On Aug. 14, 1971 Tom and June were married at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. In 2021, they were able to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a surprise party hosted by their four children. Tom was a loving and devoted husband and father.
Tom was a former 4-H Leader for the Indian Creek Livewires. He coached his kids in youth baseball and soccer. He had previously served on the Pulaski County Fair Board and the Pulaski-White Rural Telephone Cooperative Board. In his youth, he was active with the Pulaski County Young Democrats. Later in life, he served as a voice of reason and restraint during his time as a Pulaski County Councilman. Most recently, Tom was serving as Precinct Chairperson for Indian Creek Township. He was a member of the Holy Name Society for many years. Tom was a Charter Member and Past President of the Star City Lion’s Club. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed.
Tom was a lifelong farmer, who was well-known and respected by all. He enjoyed working on the farm – especially with his cows. Throughout his life, Tom was employed by Powers Bros. Mowing Crew, Moyer Grain, Sohigro and Gary Hanson Electric. Most notably, he worked at Farm Bureau Co-Op, a career that spanned 35 years (from 1981 to 2016). Tom was a very hard worker and instilled in his children that same work ethic as well as the value of education.
Tom lived life to the fullest! Tom always planted a large garden and shared his produce with family and friends. He enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox and was an avid Purdue Football and Basketball fan as well as a Winamac Warrior Fan. Tom enjoyed camping and spending time with his family. Most of all, he loved being a Papaw.
He is survived by wife June Ellen (Thompson) Roth, Star City; daughter Natalie “Nan” Roth, Indianapolis; sons: Joe [wife: Sarah] Roth, Richwood, Texas, Kyle [wife: Chelsea] Roth, Zionsville and Wyatt [wife: Stacey] Roth, Indianapolis; granddaughters: Brodie Roth, Aria Roth, Finley Roth and Hensley Roth; grandsons: Owen Roth, Griffin Roth, Holden Roth, Cameron Roth, Colin Roth; sister Jean [husband: Don] Rife; brother Timothy [wife: Melinda] Roth; sister-in-law Barbara Roth; brothers-in-law: Don [wife: Jean] Thompson, Larry [wife: Jean] Thompson, Richard [wife: Denise] Thompson; nieces: Rachel [husband: Bob] Dixon, Regina [husband: David] Martin, Erin Roth, Sara [husband: Jesse] Underwood, Ashley [husband: Shane] Ledford, Angie [husband: Ron] Bischoff, Tracy [husband: Todd] Brandenburg and Rebecca [husband: Mark] Riordan; nephews: Isaac [wife: Lisa] Rife, Eric [wife: Lauren] Roth, Brian [wife: Jen] Roth, Parker Roth, Randy Thompson; many great-nieces and nephews; uncle Wayne Bonnell; and numerous cousins.
Preceded in death by parents: Howard William and Mildred Opal (Bonnell) Roth; brother Lt. Col. John William Roth, USAF Ret.; niece Jennifer (Thompson) Terry, and nephew Tyler William Roth.
A Lions memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 15 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, followed by a scriptural wake service.
Visitation was held from 3-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 15 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 16 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, with Rev. Dennis Faker officiating.
Burial will take place at Buck Cemetery in Thornhope.
Memorial contributions may be made to Star City Lions Club.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — April 16, 2025)