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Thomas Topper Obituary
He was born March 26, 1948, on the West Side of Evansville, Indiana, son of R. Harold and Ellen (Nell) Bailey Topper. He graduated valedictorian from Reitz High School, Class of 1966. He graduated from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity, and elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. He attended medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago. Upon graduating, he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, an honorary medical fraternity. His surgical training included an internship at Rush-Presbyterian St-Luke's Medical Center and a residency at Columbus-Cuneo-Cabrini Medical Center. Dr. Topper began his practice in General and Vascular Surgery in Crawfordsville, Indiana, at Culver Union Hospital, then briefly practiced in Madisonville, Kentucky, before moving home to the West Side of Evansville, Indiana, in 1990. He first joined Evansville Surgical Associates and after deciding to dedicate his practice to Vascular Surgery, he joined The Heart Group, where he finished his surgical career.
He was a member of many medical organizations, including the Certified College of American Surgeons in General and Vascular Surgery, American College of Surgeons, Midwest Vascular Surgery Society, European Vascular Surgery Society, American Medical Association, and Vanderburgh County Medical Association. He was a Clinical Instructor of Surgery at IU Medical School and was also active in the medical staff activities at Deaconess Hospital where he served as Director of Graduate Medical Education.
Dr. Topper was active in recruiting at Wabash College where he served on the board of the National Association of Wabash Men and was a past president. He was an avid supporter of the University of Southern Indiana where he served on the Foundation Board and was past president. Dr. Topper was also a passionate supporter of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra where he was a board member as well as a past president. He also played trumpet in the orchestra for two years. His love of art and music was evident in his enthusiastic support of the New Harmony Theater, the Southwest Arts Council, and the Victory Theater. Dr. Topper was proud to be a part of the Evansville community, proud of his West Side heritage, and enjoyed being a member of the West Side Nut Club.
He is preceded in death by his parents, R. Harold and Ellen (Nell) Topper.
He is survived by his wife, Gina (Happe); four children, Carla Elizabeth Gazes and husband, Stuart, Ellen Claire Parker and husband, John, Thomas Harold Topper and wife, Mandy, and Stephen Matthew Topper; two grandchildren, Anya and Jacob Gazes; two sisters, Juliana McKim and Maria Helfrich; a brother, Stephen P. Topper of California; and his nieces and nephews.
Dr. Topper and his family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Mark Browning, the staff of Oncology Hematology Associates, the staff of Deaconess Emergency Department, and the staff of Unit 5100 at Deaconess Hospital.
Services will be noon Saturday, October 18, 2008, at St. Benedict Cathedral, 1328 Lincoln Avenue, officiated by Rev. Joe Foster and Rev. Gary Vincelette, with private burial to be held at Alexander Memorial Park.
Friends may visit today from 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 West Illinois Street, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to service time at St. Benedict Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Southern Indiana Foundation, 8600 University Blvd., Evansville, IN 47712, Wabash College, PO Box 352, Crawfordsville, IN 47933-0352, or the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra Permanent Endowment, 530 Main Street, Evansville, IN 47708. Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Alexander West Chapel, 2100 West Illinois Street.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Topper
Michael Dalsing
November 10, 2008
It was an honor to have come to know Tom through the Indiana American College of Surgeons. We will all miss his wise council and dedication to the surgical profession. Sincerely, Mike Dalsing, MD . IU Vascular Surgery
Kathy Wetzel Durfee
October 19, 2008
To the family of Dr. Tom:
Tom was a dear childhood friend from the West Side of Evansville. Several years ago he performed life-saving surgery on my mother. Because of his skill and dedication, we had several more years with her. We will be forever indebted to him. Our prayers are with his family.
Clifford Chumbley
October 18, 2008
Dear Gina and Family,
My husband and I feeled blessed for knowing Dr. Topper and you Gina.What a gifted doctor,wonderful human being and friend. we owe him so much after pulling my husband through 3 major surgery's.Our hearts are heavy with sorrow also.May God bless all of you and give you the strength you will be needing in the days to come.He will be so missed by all.
Beverly & Clifford Chumbley (Newburgh,In.)
Rebecca Klenck
October 17, 2008
Dr. Topper, what a fine man.........It was truely a pleasure working with you , rest in peace my friend
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Lynn and Tom Priest
October 17, 2008
Tom has been a brother to me since we were little. Needless to say, we had fun and gave each other a hard time.
Our families lived in the same neighborhood. Little Tommy Topper begged to cut Dads grass with the push mower. He had to peek under the handle to see!
Tom was always at our house throughout the years. Eating, going on trips with us, and yes, still helping my Dad. There is a board in the garage where my Dad had written what Tom was to be paid and that list grew as Toms jobs did.
Tom came up from Madisonville every night after hours to sit with us when my Dad, Jack Hartmann, was dying of cancer, and drove back to work the next morning.
Tom was my two sons Godfather and added a lot to my childrens lives.
The memories go on and on.
Please know we are praying for you. May the memories you have made together help the healing of your sadness. Time will heal but it is never easy.
With love and prayers to Tom's entire family,
Lynn Hartmann
Gary & Brenda McRoberts
October 17, 2008
To the Dr. Topper Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He will be missed by everyone.
Kalah Stocker
October 17, 2008
Praying that a peace surrounds each of you~ loosing someone is never easy but the memories to look back on are priceless!
Time will heal,(hard to believe but it will!) along with all of those great memories that were made!
David & Linda Wetzel
October 17, 2008
Gina and family:
I grew up with Tom on Evansville's westside and have some cherishable memories from our neighborhood days. Several years ago, Dr Tom preformed life saving surgery on our mother and gave her several good years of life after suffering through a serious illness. Our family will always be in debt to Dr Tom. We send to you and your family, our deepest sympathies and prayers for God's comfort and support during these grieving days. May your fond memories of Tom carry you through the days to come.
Brett O'Daniel
October 17, 2008
Dr. Topper did so many things to help other people, myself included, and touched everyone he came into contact with. He was my friend, my family and my Godfather. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
---Brett N. O'Daniel
Wendy Tucker Clapsaddle
October 17, 2008
To all the members of the Topper Family - Know that he is with his buddy Rick Tucker now. They are sharing a scotch, a laugh, and some special memories after spending several years apart. They are probably even singing (?) old Wabash songs!
Stacy Montgomery
October 17, 2008
Dr Topper to me was an angel. He performed many of my dads vascular surgery. He was always so kind to him and my dad thought the world of him. I'm so sorry for your loss and you are in my familys prayers.
Elyse Garrett
October 16, 2008
I had the great pleasure of working with Dr. Topper when he first came to the hospital in Crawfordsville & again when he returned for a 2nd time. He was a skilled surgeon & a perfectionist. He excpected the same from the staff - and that made ME a better OR nurse!! He could also be quite funny! One incident I remember well - it was when he first came to Crawfordsville, we were still in the "old hospital". At that time, there wasn't a Dr. on duty in the ER. The surgeons were called quite often to go see patients. It had been a particularly busy day in surgery, the ER called to the say they had an ambulance coming in, not to let Dr. Topper leave. Sooo...I told him not to leave, there was an ambulance on the way in. He just looked at me, sighed, and said " Well, what is wrong with ambulance??" And I trusted him implicitely to do surgery on my son when he was 9 months old. I would not have wanted ANYONE else to do it.
I now work in Indy & it was Dr. Gentry, who comes to Evansville, that told me Dr. Topper was ill.
My deepest sympathies to his family. I know he will be greatly missed.
Jessica (Happe) Lowry
October 16, 2008
Gina,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God hold you close and comfort you.
With heartfelt condolences
Gary & Carolyn Beck MD
October 16, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Georgia Anderson
October 16, 2008
To Gina and Dr. Toppers family you have my deepest sympathy. I feel like I lost a family member of my own, I use to call him T.T or Top Cat. He was a true friend who I will miss dearly. May God bless you and family, he fought a good battle.
Pam Greenfield
October 16, 2008
I went to grade school and high school with Tom (Tommy Topper). I always admired his talent and kindness. He was the BEST trumpet player in the band. Most of all, he always had a smile on his face. To Marie....I know how much you admired your "big brother" and he was such a large part of your life. I see you every year at my sister's 4th of July party, and you always fill me in on what your brothers are up to. My heart goes out to you, Gina and the kids. We will always have our fond memories of Tom.
Scott & Michele Reker & family
October 16, 2008
Gina, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. May God bless you during this sad time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, you know where to find us!
Martha Diedrich-Ingram
October 16, 2008
Dr Topper was the Medical Director of Deaconess Wound Care Center where I had the privilege to work for a couple of years. He was indeed a talented and compassionate man and will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time.
Paula Dyer (Futrell)
October 15, 2008
I grew up with "Tommy" as we all called him during grade school and high school. As a kid he was a very kind person who just stood above everyone because of his kindness to the poor kids (like me) and everyone else. His parents were so nice and you could see why Tom had such a good outlook on life. We graduated from Reitz the same year and I remember he was just a good guy who had nothing bad to say about anyone. I never saw Tom after high school but he still stands out in my mind, along with another person who I thought was the same way. Glenn Kleinkeneckt who is a missionary in the rough part of New York. May God bless your family as you go through these tough times. God will help you through it, lean on Him.
Paula Dyer (Futrell)
Michael Tempel
October 15, 2008
I first met Dr. Topper when I was a freshman at Wabash. He volunteered for a mentoring program to those interested in medicine. At that point, I had decided to become a physician, but it was Dr. Topper who sparked my interest in surgery when I shadowed him in practice in Evansville. Although I only followed him around for a few days, I was greatly impressed by his skill and bedside manner. As a fellow surgeon and Wabash alum, you have my deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
Janice Heuring
October 15, 2008
Dear Topper Family,
I was a classmate of Tom's for many years. I grew up on the west side of Evansville. My dad was a city police officer in Evansville for twenty one years. His name was Clarence Evans. He passed away in 1992. My mother, Margaret Evans, 86, is living in Haubstadt, IN close to me. My husband, Clint and I are her care givers.
I have three brothers, Wayne, Randy, and Mark Evans. I hope someone in the Topper Family remembers us.
We loved "Tommy" for many years. We were so very proud of him and all of his accomplishments. We were so deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing.
With love and deepest sympathy from:
Clint, and Janice (Evans) Heuring, and Margaret, Wayne, Randy, and Mark Evans.
Jennifer Titzer
October 15, 2008
Gina,
We are all better for having known Tom. I consider myself blessed to have had to the opportunity to work with him and even luckier to be able call him a friend. I will always remember his quick wit and infectious smile!!
There was never a bigger smile on his face than when he was with you. You truly were the light in his life. I pray that your memories keep his spirit alive and help you through this difficult time.
Know that Craig and I are thinking of you.
Love,
Jennifer
Sherman & Kimberly Greer
October 15, 2008
Gina,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers!
John and Nellie Romero
October 15, 2008
Our prayers are with the Family. We meet in Belize.
Matt and Carrie Morris
October 15, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to you Gina. You are such an amazing person and have done so much for Tom- we will never be able to thank you enough. With much admiration-
Kay Leege'
October 15, 2008
Gina,
My deepest sympathy goes with you. Dr. Topper was agreat physician and a wonderful person. I will never forget all his expertise teaching, while working with him. May your pain heal quickly as your memories develop for all that you and Tom shared. God Bless.
Kay Leege'
Patty Fleener
October 15, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the family. My Dad, Harold Cullman, was a patient of Dr. Topper's for several years. Dr. Topper will be missed so much by our family. My Dad truly appreciated and cherished his loving hands. He was a jewel.
Patty Fleener (Mt. Vernon, IN)
Dickie and Jane McDonald
October 15, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Topper. He was a wonderful man with a God given talent which saved my husband's life. He will certainly be missed with cherished memories.
Tara Farr
October 15, 2008
Gina, I'm very sorry for your loss. Take care during this difficult time, I'm sorry I can't be there. I love you. Tara
Jean and Ray Drewry
October 15, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Dan and Karen Felstead
October 15, 2008
Maria and Julie,
I just saw the sad news about Tom. Karen and I are so sorry to hear about Tom but I am sure he is finally at rest and in a better place. Karen and I will keep you in our prayers during this time of grief and offer any support you may need. Just let us know.
Dan and Karen
Dianna Humphrey
October 15, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the family. Tom was a very good friend from high school and a great doctor. He performed major surgery on my father and saved his life. My entire family thought the world of him! What a tremendous loss to his family, the medical profession and all who knew him. He will definitely be missed.
Kimberly Holman
October 15, 2008
I was so sorry to learn of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Owen
October 15, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Deaconess Employee
October 15, 2008
Repos dans la paix, medecin doux.
Joni Veneman
October 15, 2008
What a terrible loss to the community. He took care of my Mother. He was an awesome doctor with a bedside manner that so many doctors lack these days. My sympathies and prayers go out to the family. Rest easy knowing he is with God, because he helped so many with his talent and compassion.
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