Thomas I. Wood

Thomas Ingraham "Tom" Wood 77, of Carmel, IN, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2010. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI and was a graduate of Western Michigan University. He served in the U. S. Army as a first lieutenant and combat engineer in Europe during the Korean War. His love for the automotive business began in Kalamazoo in 1958, selling Edsels and Sunbeams. In 1967 he and his family moved to Indianapolis to become a Pontiac dealer. He was CEO and owner of Tom Wood Automotive Group, past president of the Auto Trade Association and a member of numerous automotive professional organizations. He was a two time winner of the prestigious TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award. Also an avid pilot, Tom flew his vintage warbirds in airshows around the country and was named the Riley Hospital for Children Indianapolis Aviator of the Year in 1998. His other passions included golf, skiing, hunting and fishing. Tom was actively involved in many community organizations including the Hoosier Oncology Group and the Indiana Children's Wish Fund. He also served on the boards of Community North and St. Vincent Hospitals. He was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church, Highland Golf and Country Club, Bridgewater Club, and Skyline Club in Indianapolis. Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Julie Davis Wood and their two sons, Christopher T. and Jeffrey I. (April) Wood. He leaves five grandchildren, Garrett, Hunter, Wyatt, Thomas and Brooke Wood. He is also survived by his mother, Leona M. Wood. His father, Harold Wood and sister, Marcia Wood predeceased him. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, February 9th at 11:00 a.m. in Second Presbyterian Church with family and friends gathering on Monday, February 8th at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may made to the Faith Presbyterian Church Building Fund, Indiana University Cancer Center, or St. Vincent Hospice.