Thomas W. FerverdaThomas W. Ferverda, 85, of Indianapolis, formerly of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, after a battle with the COVID-19 virus.
Tom was born in Leesburg, on Feb. 20, 1935, to Dean and Dorothy Loyd Ferverda, who predeceased him.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 63 years, Susan Lephart Ferverda; daughters, Lynn Claytor and Melissa Miller (Thor), of Indianapolis; and Lori Pizarek (Dan), of San Marcos, Texas; grandchildren: Joseph Senkovich III (Kate), Kayley Senkovich, Steven Senkovich and Ben Claytor (Kelsey Bartholomew), all of Florida; Thomas (Ellen) Pizarek, of Austin, Texas; Kurt Miller and Evan Miller, of Indianapolis; Grant Miller, of Pensacola, Fla.; and great-grandson, Dean Harold Pizarek, of Austin, Texas. His brother, Robert (Nancy) Ferverda, of Warsaw, also survives.
Tom graduated from Leesburg High School in 1953. He spent his freshman year of college at Ball State University on a track scholarship before transferring to Indiana University-Bloomington, where he graduated with a business administration degree in 1957.
Tom and Susan married in early 1957 and settled in Kokomo, where Tom began a 35-year career with Delco Electronics. He retired from the position of Personnel Manager in 1993. The Ferverdas moved to Indianapolis in 1995.
Tom excelled at track in high school and college. Though a broken ankle at IU ended his athletic career, his love of the sport continued. For over 20 years, Tom served as an IHSAA track official. Later, he officiated NCAA meets, often officiating for his alma mater, Indiana University. In Indianapolis, Tom officiated for the USA Track & Field Association during the Pan Am Games, the Police & Fire Games and various National and Olympic qualifying meets. In 1996, the NCAA named him IU’s Track Official of the Year. In 1997, the USA Track & Field Association honored him as Indiana’s Track Official of the Year.
Tom was an active volunteer. Highlights included serving as a Howard County councilman, as a member of the welfare board and library board, and as a member of the Kokomo Y’s Men. A Master Mason, Tom held membership in Kosciusko Masonic Lodge 418 for 64 years. In Indianapolis, he volunteered at the Benjamin Harrison Home, with Sertoma, and at Christ the King School, where three of his grandsons attended. He officiated at many CYO track meets.
Tom delighted in living on the Broad Ripple canal, where he taught his grandchildren to fish, catch turtles and snakes and to love nature. Not only was Tom a wonderful father, he was the best grandpa any child could wish for.
He was known for his great smile and his kindness. Many people have shared with the family how Tom’s encouraging words and advice positively impacted the course of their lives.
Tom, a life-long Methodist, will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson at a date yet to be determined.
*****
Condolences may be left at https://cremationsocietyofindiana.com/obituary/1383/.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you share some small kindness with the world in his honor.
