"Twenty one months later and I miss my dad so much. A true gentleman with a heart of gold. You were an incredible role model for your children and grandchildren. I cherish all the wonderful memories you left us with. Love you dad!"
In loving memory of
Thomas Eugene Mcevilly
July 12, 1934 - November 7, 2010
Thomas Eugene McEvilly, age 76, of Washington, passed away at 10:15 PM on Sunday at his residence. He was born on July 14, 1934 in Washington to Joseph B. and Della (Walker) McEvilly. He was a 1953 graduate of Washington Catholic High School and a 1988 graduate of Vincennes University. On June 9, 1954 he enlisted in the US Army and served in the Army of Occupation in post WWII Germany. After serving in the Army he became a member of the Indiana Army National Guard in which he served until August 1, 1994. He retired as a Sergeant-Major after having served 40 years, 1 month, and 29 days. While serving in the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard Tom was decorated with over 30 awards and citations. Prominent among these were The Legion of Merit, The Meritorious Service Medal, and the Expert Infantry Badge. He was a life-time member of the Indiana National Guard Association and the past president and member of The 38th Infantry Division Association. Locally, he was a former member of Washington's American Legion Post 121, The Knights of Columbus council 630, and member and past president of the Washington Civitan Club. He also was a former board member of The Old Northwest Territory Chapter of The American Red Cross. Additionally, he served as a District Committee Member of the Boy Scouts of America and as a member of the Daviess County YMCA Building Committee. Tom is survived by his wife Alice (Perkins) McEvilly whom he married on October 26, 2006; five daughters and sons in-law, Shelly McEvilly of Bicknell, Sherry and John Auberry of Washington, Dana and Rod Miles of Washington, Anngie and Scott Wyatt of Greer, SC., and Kim and Ty Madison of Ellettsville; three sons and daughters in-law, Thomas J. and Lori McEvilly of Tampa, Fl., Kelly and Diane McEvilly of Ellettsville , and Kerry McEvilly of Ellettsville. Two step sons, Ricky Perkins and Ronald Perkins both of Washington; grandchildren Emma McEvilly, Toni McEvilly, Edyth McEvilly, Thomas A. McEvilly, Chandra Auberry, Brenna McEvilly, Shanna McEvilly, Cameron McEvilly, Lesley Hayes, Bridget Hayes, Brayton Hayes, Annie Summitt, Robert Miles, Chelsea Miles, Robert Wyatt, Cole Wyatt, Trey Madison, Jalen Madison, Erin Madison, Pierce Madison, Issac Madison; great grandchildren, Alexa Brower, Kainen Auberry, Gage Auberry, and Liam Gregory; his first wife Mary Ann McCormick and her daughter, Kara Dougherty. He was preceded in death by one grandson Jacob Auberry; his parents; two sisters, Patricia Tinz and JoAnn McEvilly; and 3 brothers, Robert McEvilly, Terry McEvilly, and Patsy McEvilly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery with military rites by the Military Department of Indiana Ceremonial Unit. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday with a Wake Service at 4 pm and a K of C Rosary at 7:45 PM at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Memorial donations may be made to The American Red Cross or The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Tributes
"I only knew Sergeant Major McEvilly as Grandad. A man who took me to friends houses, picked me up from practice, took me to mcdonalds, etc. I miss him so much, as i type this 7.5 mos after his death."
"I thank you, one and all, for the kind words of condolences you have extended to my family. Words, which I like to think I have some command of, fail me at a moment like this. When I read such heartfelt words I am at a loss to express my gratitude. Once again, I thank you for your kind words. I shall never forget them and hold them true to my heart forever. Most sincerely, Kerry Dene McEvilly"
"My deepest sympathies go out. I will include you all in my prayers."
"Blessings and peace to the family of SGM McEvilly. He was a man who taught his children to shine their shoes at home. And he continued to support the National Guard throughout his retirement years. He will not be forgotten! Daniel Sherar Chaplain (LTC) retired"
"Tom was such a good friend to my father, Leo Lamb, who passed away in July, 2010. They served in the National Guard together in Washington. In Dad's last days, Tom sat with our family at St. Mary's, offering his prayers & support. That meant so much to all of us. I will never forget him or his kindness. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May Tom Rest in Peace."
"I have many fond memories of Tom growing up on the southside, going to school and in all the school events. He was a cousin of mine, on my mother's side. We were in the service about the same time, got married and had our first child about the same time. He was a good friend and classmate and organized our class reunions in Washington. He will be missed and our prayers are with his family. May he rest in piece."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Tom was a great friend to me and was someone I could always count on throughout life. Even after he retired, he would make it a point to stop and see me when he was visiting Atterbury. He even made a special trip to Atterbury to be there when I was promoted to Major. He was with me from Specialist all the way to Major. I will truly miss him."
"What great fond memories I have of Tom during the years we worked together when he was assigned to the 76th Inf Bde in Bedford. Thanks so much for the mentoring and memories. You will not be forgotten."