Thomas Leslie Gargis

June 17, 1942     ~     October 16. 2005

Lakeville, IN -- Thomas Leslie Gargis, 63, of Lakeville, passed away peacefully at 6:16 a.m. on Sunday, October 16, 2005, in Hospice House, South Bend, surrounded by his family.

Tom was born on June 17, 1942, in South Bend, to the late Richard L. Gargis and Reba C. (Jones) Gargis, who survives and resides in South Bend.

On October 6, 1962, in South Bend, Tom married the former Sharon K. Deranek. She survives along with their children, Douglas R. (Beth) of South Bend, Debbie K. (Greg) Gurtner of Bremen and David R. (Shawn) of Warsaw; seven grandchildren, Steven Gargis, Holly Rimel, Brittny Gargis, Sara Gurtner, Brogan Gargis, Zach Gurtner and Briley Gargis . Also surviving are two sisters, Margaret (James) Daugherty of South Bend and Shirley (Richard) Jennings of The Woodlands, TX; along with two nieces and three nephews.

On October 16, 1967, Tom was sworn in as a South Bend police officer and retired on October 19, 1987, as a uniform division chief. Tom then returned to a position at Hull Lift Truck, Elkhart, for 14 years.

Fully retired, Tom and Sharon enjoyed traveling the backroads of America, Bluegrass and Southern Gospel music. They enjoyed spending time with each other, family and friends. Tom took special pride and joy in visiting his mom every day. He truly cherished watching his grandchildren grow and participate in numerous activities and sporting events. His gift for being a "man with a plan" will always be remembered by those who loved and knew him.

Tom was a member of the F.O.P. Lodge #36 and a member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church.

Friends will be welcomed by the family from 2 to 8 p.m. today, October 18, 2005, in the Palmer Funeral Home, Lakeville. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 19th, in the Lakeville United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., with visitation in the church one hour prior to services. Rev. Jan Dimick will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions by made to the Lakeville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 24, Lakeville, IN 46536; or to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

The family would like to thank all of those who provided care and comfort to Tom during his courageous battle.

Published in the South Bend Tribune; Oct. 18, 2005.

04.04.2021  djb