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Thomas Simler Obituary
Thomas Edward Simler, 76, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2016.
Tom was born July 20, 1940 to Thomas Levering and Esther Marjorie Simler in Lafayette. He graduated from Klondike High School in 1959 where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Tom proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959-1963 and was stationed in Florida, Alabama, and Iceland. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserves in 1965. He married Jean Ann (Osterhoff) on August 23, 1964, and she survives.
Tom worked at Alcoa, Zayre Department Store, Lafayette Beverage, Trio Engraving, and the City of Lafayette. He was a traffic foreman for the city when he was critically injured on the job September 7, 1993.
Tom was a licensed official for 42 years, including officiating an IHSAA state championship football game in the Hoosier Dome and IHSAA state track meets. He loved being involved with the student-athletes in this capacity and refereeing kept him young at heart. After recovering from the accident, he hosted the referees for McCutcheon High School athletic events and volunteered as a host at Hippensteel Funeral Home. He attended Christ United Methodist Church. Tom especially loved vacationing in Siesta Key, Florida with family and friends.
Tom rarely knew a stranger and had a smile for everyone. He was a strong man with a caring spirit and a great love for life.
Tom is survived by his wife, son Brent (Mindy) Simler, daughter Brenda Simler Wallar, grandchildren Julia Simler, Evan Simler, Rowan Wallar, and Landry Wallar, mother-in-law Elsie Osterhoff, brother Lynn (Karen) Simler, sister-in-law Betty (Franklin) Gillis, brother-in-law Tom (Dianne) Osterhoff, sister-in-law Sue Simler, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Louis Sox Osterhoff, sister Pequetti (Simler) Bouwkamp, brother Bob Simler, best friend Charlie Brissey, and beloved dog, Oscar.
A visitation will take place on Sunday, October 16 from 4-7pm with service at 7pm at Hippensteel Funeral Home, 822 N. 9th Street. A private burial will take place on Monday, October 17 at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Simler
Sponsored by Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc..
Jon Albregts
October 16, 2016
What can you say about Tom that everyone doesn't already know? Nothing because with Tom there was never any guessing about what he was feeling or thinking. He just wanted to have fun and he wanted others around him to have fun. He loved family... kids, grandkids, JeanAnn, sports, and the Boilers. I can't remember a time when he didn't have a smile on his face. He always saw the good in people. We have all temporarily lost a friend but we all know he is up there running the sidelines once again and loving every minute of it.
Margery ( Midge) Claybourne
October 16, 2016
Jean Ann
I'm so sorry to hear about you losing Tom. My prayers and thoughts are with you .
I just found out yesterday.
I wish I could be there for you and pay my respects.
I don't get out much
My health is not the best these days.
October 15, 2016
So sorry for your loss May God give you strength Rex and Reva Myers
October 15, 2016
Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Mick and Carole Smith
October 14, 2016
Jean Ann,
So sorry for your loss, Tom was a good man. I remember you both from the head injury support group. God Bless.
Linda Halsema and family
Kim & Roy Loveless
October 14, 2016
Jean Ann, Lynn & Karen, Brent & Mindy, Brenda & families:
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember Tom from church & he always had a smile on his face & didn't know a stranger. He was always so friendly to everyone. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Dan & Mary Benedict
October 14, 2016
Jean Ann, Brenda & Brent, we are thinking of you. Sorry about your loss. We had some fun times with you and Tommy.
October 14, 2016
Jean Ann, we were so sorry to hear about Tommy. He always had a genuine smile & a kind word for everyone. Our thoughts & prayers will be with you, Brenda, Brent & Lynn.
Jane & Willie Oliver
Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc.
October 14, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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