"I am very saddened hearing of Tom's passing. We had a lot of fun in high school and I have wonderful memories of him and his family enjoying their pool in the summer. I'm sure he was a great coach and teacher and will be missed by the many students and faculty that he knew. My heart goes out to his family as they cherish the many memories of Tom and feel the love he had for them. "
In loving memory of
Thomas D. Wilson
January 25, 1952 - June 19, 2019
Thomas (Tom) Dale Wilson, 67, passed away at his home surrounded by his family June 19, 2019. Tom was born in Marion on January 25, 1952, the first child of Howard and Susan Wilson of Swayzee.
A stand-out athlete in his youth, Tom played baseball, basketball, football and track. At Madison-Grant high school, he set the shot put record in track which he held for many years. Tom went on to be a 4-year letter winner in track at Ball State University where he completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in education. While in college he did his student teaching at Eastbrook Community Schools and that ended up being where he stayed for his entire 42 years as an educator and coach. Along with teaching junior high Physical Education and Health, Tom served in many coaching roles. He served as defensive coordinator for the Eastbrook football team alongside his great friend Jeff Adamson. In addition, Tom led the girls Softball Program at Eastbrook guiding the Lady Panthers to a State Championship appearance and multiple Sectional and Conference titles. Coach Wilson also led the Girls Basketball program for many years. Undoubtedly, some of Toms best memories and proudest achievements were his years leading his players and coaching. Those who played for Tom were blessed by his meticulous preparation and scouting, inspirational quotes and messages, never-ending encouragement and the power of his mullet (as many still talk about).
Aside from his years of serving thousands of kids as an educator, he was most proud of his three daughters. Amber, Sara and Bethany (a.k.a. The Girls) gave Tom so much joy over the years along with his 7 grandchildren. If you knew Tom, you knew that he loved to spoil his family and enjoyed spending time together every time possible. Tom also enjoyed riding his Harley and old muscle cars.
Tom is survived by his three daughters, Amber (David) Amick and their children Dylan, Dawson and Abigail of Battle Creek, NE; Sara (Aaron) Caudell and their children Boston and Bristol of Fairmount; and Bethany (Brandon) Tinkel and children Quinn Massey (and her father Brock Massey) and Leighton of rural Marion. His mother, Susan Wilson of Swayzee. Sisters, Beth Jones of Marion and Brenda Buroker of Swayzee. Brothers, Chris (Lennie) Wilson of Jasonville, IN and Steve (Lori) Wilson of Connersville, IN. He is also survived by five nieces and one nephew.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Howard, and his dear brother-in-law, Brian Buroker.
Funeral services for Tom will be 11:00 AM Monday June 24, 2019 at Fairmount Chapel Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 S. Main St., Fairmount, Indiana with Pastor Tim Helm and Coach Jeff Adamson officiating. The family will receive friends 2-6 PM Sunday June 23, 2019 at the funeral home, interment will be in Knox Cemetery, Point Isabel, Indiana.
Memorial contributions can be made in Toms honor to the Eastbrook High School Athletic Department.
Online condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Sorry for your loss. Remember the good times.Janet McIlwain"
"So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort for the family."
"So sorry for your loss. Prayers to all"
"Tom was a great guy, knew him since 2nd grade and played together a lot as young boys. Played football in HS. It's hard to say goodbye !!"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wilson family. Coach Wilson was kind and outstanding man that will be greatly missed!"
"A GARDEN PATH was sent on June 23, 2019We are so sorry for your loss. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Love Megan & Chris"
"We pray for Thomas' family and friends, that you all find comfort in remembering his life and legacy, and have peace in knowing that he is safe in God's memory (John 5:28-29).Our Sincere Condolences,The Snyders"
"A TRADITION AND SPLENDOR was sent on June 23, 2019From Past, Present and Future Panther Football Teams and Coaches. # Hog Heaven"
"A DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent on June 23, 2019With sincere sympathy, Jeff & Kandi Adamson & Family Until we meet again Brother"
"To the Wilson family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"My condolences to his family, I consider Tom as a friend and fellow Coach at Eastbrook. My friend you will be sorely missed by all. I know that you have touched so many lives and provided so much help to all you touched. We were all blessed by your presence."
"Thinking and praying for you Chris, Lennie! Denny& Rita Rehmel!"
"An INDOOR GARDEN BASKET was sent on June 22, 2019Our sincerest condolences. Pix & Stix Band "
"A RAY OF SUNSHINE was sent by Chris ('91) and Beth Gortner Adkison ('92) on June 22, 2019"
"My condolences to the family and friends."
"A MONET'S GARDEN BASKET was ordered on June 22, 2019"
"I was lucky to know Tom as his principal years ago. Great young man. Praying for comfort and healing in the days ahead."
"Tom was a great young man. I was lucky to be his principal and work together for several years. Loved his family, teaching, and sports. Praying for your family today for comfort in the days ahead. "
"To be absent from the body is too be present with the Lord my condolences praying for the family"
"Pam & Rock Hutchason,Tom's girls & families, may God bless you all at this difficult time, Tom was my friend & classmate. He will be so missed by everyone."
"An ILLUMINATION ALL WHITE CENTERPIECE was ordered on June 21, 2019"
"Thank you for allowing me to assist you for over 40 years as a coach, teacher and friend. God bless your family."
"Bethany - I am so sorry for your loss. Many thought and prayers for you!"
"A MOUNTAIN MEADOW PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on June 21, 2019"
"Tom will be sadly missed. Fly high my dear friend. You will be missed. Love and prayers to family and friends."
"So sorry, prayers to you all."
"A good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life. I truly believe Coach Wilson changed many lives throughout his years as ateacher, mentor, friend and coach. Rest east Coach, we'll take it from here."
"Was aGreat Fiend And Classmate Will Be Missed By many Prayers For Family"
"Our sincere sympathy to the entire Wilson family. So many memories of past years with the entire family. Cherish your memories - they will comfort you as you grieve in this present time. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. Blessings for your family. "
"Very sad to hear of Tom's passing. My memories of Tom came from our playing baseball together. When I was a Senior at FHS, I sometimes pitched, and Tom was my catcher. He was still learning that position, but incredibly interested in being the best catcher possible. He never stopped working hard on every aspect of the sport and developed into quite a catcher as well as a hitter. We had fun faking out batters and pulling off put-outs from guys trying to steal bases. I thought a great deal of Tom. Always will."
"Thoughts of Sympathy to Coach Wilson's family. RIP"
"A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was ordered on June 21, 2019"
"He was my gym teacher and in junior high and he was a great teacher I'm sorry for the loss of Tom Wilson"
"Sorry for the loss of a great guy he was my gym teacher in junior high"
"So sorry for your lost,he will be greatly missed!"
"My great good friend since 2nd grade at Point Isabel, through high school in Fairmount and our years together on the track team, and a couple of years at Ball State. He was a member of my wedding party, where we couldnt find a tuxedo big enough to fit him properly! When my son married Toms daughter in 2000 we became family, and soon had two wonderful grandkids in common. My best memories of him were of sitting in the stands together at our grandkids sports events, and hearing his coaching commentary. Tom was a kind and caring individual. He loved his family and friends above all else, and we all loved him. We will miss him terribly everyday. God Bless You Big Tom, it was an honor to be your friend."
"You will be dearly missed by all"
"An A GARDEN PATH was sent on June 21, 2019We know Tom brought a lot of joy, laughs, and love to his family and friends. We wish to offer our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Sincerely, AJ Wright, Anna Farris, and Eve Dillinger"
"So sorry to hear of the Passing of Tom! Prayers for his families and friends!"
"Thank you for kicking me in the ass when I needed it!!!!! Good man!!"
"My sincerest condolences to the family of this great man. He taught me, and so many others, more than blocking and tackling techniques. Rest Easy Coach!!!"
"Tom will be sadly missed by many, he was a kind, gentle man who touched the lives of many with his kindness and care. We are so sorry for the pain the family is in and has to endure throughout this time. Our prayers are with you all."
"Lit, for a kind and gentle man that touched many lives. He will be sadly missed. Our prayers are with his family."
"Prayers go out to the Wilson family. So sorry for your loss my friends."
"He was a great man teacher coach and influential in so many people's lives very sorry to hear of his passing God bless him and his family R I P"
"Mr Wilson had a lot of influence on me in my high school football I have lots of respect for that man. Condolences for family Rest In Peace."
"Sincere sympathy!Thanks Tom for your many years of mentoring Eastbrook students!"
"Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I, too, remember him as an athlete, and classmate. May God be with you in this great time of loss."
"Our prayers are with Toms family."
"Deepest condolences to Amber, Sara, Bethany and families."
"Prayers 4 all his family & friends & thize who knew hin as a mentor..God comfort u all & carry u through this time."
"My deepest condolences."
"We saddened to hear of Toms passing. Our hearts go out to his family and friends as we remember him in our prayers."