Thomas D. Bills

A longtime resident of the community he loved, Thomas D. Bills was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was a believer in working hard and giving everything his all, and he was passionate about the things he enjoyed. A devoted family man, Tom enjoyed being a part of his childrens lives and witnessing his family tree blossom to include grandchildren later in life. A no frills sort of guy, he was content in whatever life brought. A dear man to many, Tom will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The 1950s were an exciting time in American history. Televisions were becoming part of our homes in record numbers, James Dean made young girls swoon on the silver screen, and Elvis Presley introduced the world to the sounds of rock n roll. Rosa Parks made history and brought civil rights to the forefront while we welcomed Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states as the decade drew to a close. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1952 when Gerald and Jeanette (Fry) Bills were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Thomas D. on May 7th. Born in Columbia City, Indiana, he was the second oldest to be raised on the small acre and a half farm outside of Columbia City. From his youngest years, Tom was a hard worker who was quick to get his chores done. Many times he was able to get his chores done while his older brother, Kenny, was taking a bath inside the house.

In many ways, Tom was a young boy of his generation. He loved playing baseball with his siblings and on the farm league teams. A talented singer, Tom sang with his high school, in the church choir, and he also enjoyed singalongs with his entire family. This became a tradition that remained in place until the present day. Tom attended the Free Methodist Church, then Troy Presbyterian and as he became an adult, he attended Oak Grove Church of God, and First Church of God. While at Oak Grove Church, he taught Sunday school, coached the mens basketball league, and was a youth group leader.

As a student he attended Columbia City Joint High School. In addition to holding down his studies, he started working for Northeast REMC during his senior year. This was the place where Tom made a career that spanned more than 40 years. He went on to graduate from high school in 1970. Life was forever changed for Tom when he married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Gordon. Together they were blessed with the births of two children, Angela and Andy. Although they later divorced, Tom was forever grateful for the children they shared.

Throughout his life, Tom was a big supporter of the Whitley County 4-H program. He showed beef cattle and Border Cheviot and North Country Cheviot sheep. Tom was quite successful, too, as he went to nationals with his sheep, and several times he was at the state level showing his cattle. Tom also passed this love on to his children as they became involved with 4-H. He was so proud when they started showing cattle and sheep. Later in life, Tom was so thrilled that his grandchildren are also planning on getting involved with 4-H as well. Family vacations were usually spent competing at the state 4-H in Indianapolis and also at the national 4-H in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition, Tom served on the Sheep Board at the county level, served as a Sheep Breed Manager at the state level, and was a member of the American Shorthorn Association.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Thomas D. Bills made the most of the days he was given. He was a hard worker who was determined and even a bit strong willed at times, yet his devotion to the people and things he believed in was truly unmatched. Tom loved raising his cattle on his farm near Bippus, but nothing was better than being surrounded by his loved ones. He also enjoyed in the last couple years spending time attending his nieces and nephews sporting events, choir programs, and spending time with family at Jellystone campground. Someone who gave the biggest hugs, he loved to sing and laugh, which was made him so much fun to be around. Tom will be missed for his timeless advice and his zest for life, but he will be missed most for his unconditional love.

Thomas D. Bills, 63, of Bippus, Indiana, passed away in his sleep on Monday, January 11, 2016, at his home. Toms family includes his children, Angela (Steve) Miller and Andy (Trisha) Bills, all of Columbia City; parents, Gerald and Jeanette Bills of Columbia City; brother, Kenny (Kathy) Bills of Columbia City; sisters, Kathy Bills of Clermont, Florida and Terri (Jerry) Zumbrun of Columbia City; and grandchildren, Teeghun and Tanner Miller and Ellee, Carter and Kloee Bills. Tom was preceded in death by his niece, Christina Jeffers.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2016, at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Hawks officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Whitley County 4-H, Inc. To send his family condolences, visit www.demoneygrimes.com .