Thomas “Tom” Earl Everett, of Winona Lake, passed away at 10:35 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, at Grace Village Health Care in Winona Lake at the age of 86.
He was born on Feb. 21, 1934, in Hazelton, Pa., to James W. Everett Sr. and Eleanor F. Liphard Everett.
Tom grew up in Lafayette and graduated in 1952 from Lafayette Jefferson High School. He and two of his high school buddies joined the Army figuring they were going to get drafted anyway. A few days before his 18th birthday, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army. On Feb. 25, 1952, he was officially an active duty member of the Army and served during the Korean War as a light machine gunner. Two days after his 19th birthday, while fighting in Korea, he earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman Badge with injuries to his left eye, hands and legs. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 30, 1953, after proudly serving his country. He was one of the lucky ones who came home, but he never forgot those that lost their lives. He always flew the black Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag for those soldiers that never returned. Because of his military service, Tom was able to attend college through the G.I. Bill and earned his degree in business administration in 1959 from Tri-State University in Angola.
At the young age of 23 years, he married Gerry Lee Bryan Everett. They raised four children and shared 46 years of marriage together before she passed away on Oct. 19, 2003. He moved to Kosciusko County and spent over 54 years living, working and raising his family here. He worked for the I.R.S prior to working at Dalton Foundry in Warsaw as their cost accountant, followed by working as a cost accountant for Sun Metal. He served as the chaplain at the V.F.W. Post #1126 and the American Legion Post #49 both of Warsaw for over 20 years. He also served as the Kosciusko County veterans service officer for five years. Tom enjoyed helping fellow servicemen get their benefits and medals.
Tom was a longtime member of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church in Warsaw where he enjoyed fellowship with his church family. He loved playing softball with the church, always a spry fellow, he played men’s softball until he was 70 years old. Nothing was more important than his children, he always made time for his girls and son. He loved being a grandfather just as much. Tom will be forever loved and remembered as a loving husband, father, grandpa, most especially as Gpapa, as well as a friend to many.
He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Bryan W. (Karen) Everett, Monroe, Mich.; three daughters: Debbie (Marty) Gall, Syracuse; Sandy (Mark) Johnson, Claypool; Becky J. Everett (Darla Gagnon), Warsaw; 11 grandchildren; and 14-1/2 grandchildren (one due in March 2021).
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gerry; and four brothers: James, Paul, Jack and Bill; and his sister, Mary Lou Everett.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Tom’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Stacy Downing. Burial will follow with a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw with military rites conducted by his fellow servicemen from the American Legion Post #49 and the V.F.W. #1126, both of Warsaw.
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Memorial donations may be directed to Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 2033 S. 150 W., Warsaw, IN 46580; or to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 and would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
