Thomas Rudd

Thomas T. Rudd, 88, of South Whitley, Ind. passed away at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2014 at his residence after a brief illness. He was born on January 6, 1926 in Culver, the son of Maurice Henry and Lois Isabelle (Todd) Rudd.

Tom graduation from South Whitley High School with the Class of 1944 and went on to attend Butler University. He served with the United States Army Air Corp during WWII from 1944 and was discharged in 1946. He married Lulu Caroline Myers on December 27, 1946 in South Whitley. He owned and operated Myers and Rudds Friendly Service Station downtown South Whitley for 47 years.He was a member of South Whitley United Methodist Church, Columbia City American Legion Post #98, I.O.O.F Lodge and the South Whitley V.F.W.Tom also proudly served on the South Whitley Town Board for over 20 years.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lulu C. Rudd, South Whitley; sons, David Rudd and John (Darlene) Rudd both of South Whitley; daughters, Cheryl Wright and Jane (Les) Cripe, both of South Whitley;six grandchildren including, Susan, Tom, Todd, Caroline, Donelda and Ashley; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Virginia Lee Purkey, son-in-law, Donald Wright; granddaughter, Mary Beth Wright; and grandson, James Cripe.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 1-4 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2014 at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley. Chaplain Forrest Tabor from Heartland Hospice will be officiating. Memorial donations may be given in Mr. Rudds memory to Heartland Hospice or Riley Childrens Foundation.