Thomas F. Evard

June 27, 1945 - Oct. 23, 2016

MISHAWAKA - Thomas Franklin Evard, 71, of Mishawaka, IN passed away peacefully at 7:42 a.m. Sunday, October 23, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 27, 1945 in South Bend, IN to the late Frank L. and Edna (Mohn) Evard. On February 6, 1993, he was united in marriage to the former Deborah “Debbie” Lynn Smith.

Tom is survived by his wife, Debbie Evard; four daughters, Kelly (Mike Clark) Evard of Elkhart, IN, Kim (Darian) Hildreth of Key West, FL, Nicole (Bobby) Beaver of Mishawaka, IN and Kara Gordon of Mishawaka, IN; three sons, Scott Evard of Granger, IN, Tony Artusi of Mishawaka, IN and Johnny Artusi of OK; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Rochelle (Bill) Dolde of Edwardsburg, MI and two sisters-in-law, Laurie Evard of Blue Bell, PA and Joy Evard of South Bend, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Anthony Ryor and two brothers, Ronald L. Evard and William Evard.

Tom was a lifelong resident. He was co-owner of Hull Lift Truck, Inc. and an instrumental partner in the growth of the company during his fifty year career. Throughout his career, Tom was well respected by his colleagues and customers alike and developed lifelong friendships along the way.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the services Thursday.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.