Thomas Kirk

COLUMBIA CITY - Thomas Edward Kirk, 85, of rural Noble County, Indiana, died peacefully in the company of his daughter at 1:23 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at his home.

Born on May 2, 1940, in Mishawaka, Indiana, he was a son of the late Thomas and Jeanette (Geyer) Kirk.

Growing up in Mishawaka, he graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1958. He continued his education at Bethel College and Indiana State University, where he played football and met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Scharnowske. He completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education at Ball State University.

On May 2, 1963, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. Serving his term stateside, he was a radio operator with the 5th Army at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was honorably discharged on April 30, 1965.

On Aug. 27, 1960, he married Ruth Ann Scharnowske. They made their first home in Mishawaka, and later moved to Anderson. After Tom's military service, the couple moved back to Anderson, where Tom began his teaching career at Markleville and Pendleton Middle Schools. In 1983, the couple moved to Loon Lake, Columbia City, when Tom took a teaching position at West Noble Middle School.

Enjoying country living, the couple purchased a country home in rural Noble County, where they lived on their "heaven on earth" property. His beloved wife, "Ruthy Pooh," died on Nov. 11, 2022.

Passionate about teaching, Tom was dedicated to shaping his students into productive and caring adults. For more than 15 years, Tom was the "temporary" editor of the Whitley County Historical Society Bulletin.

A member of West Etna Community Church, he produced their weekly bulletin.

An avid fisherman, he enjoyed sharing his skills with others, teaching many to fish. With a servant's heart, Tom was kind to all, assisting those in need by providing shelter and food, and caring for the wildlife on his property. He became the cat sanctuary for the area cats, feeding them more than 40 lbs. per week. He found his solace while strolling his wooded property, observing the wildlife, the foliage, and the sounds of nature. He often visited his neighbors, and when his mobility diminished, he would do so via a golf cart or power chair.

His grand and great-grandkids were his pride and joy, and he kept up with their activities by attending the grandkids' sporting events, and in later years, watching his great-grandkids games online.

Surviving are his daughter, Brenda (Dan) Joseph, of Anderson, Indiana, and Largo, Florida; grandchildren, Kevin (Emily) Joseph and Geordan Joseph; great-grandchildren, Reid Allen Joseph and Teagan Ann Joseph; and a brother, James (Marcia) Kirk, of Oseola. He was proud to be an uncle of Bob Henning.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Brenda Louise Kirk; a brother, Kenneth Kirk; and a half-brother, Bob Henning.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., on Friday, Oct 10, 2025, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Burial will be at West Etna Cemetery.

Visitation is from 1 p.m., until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Parkview Home Health and Hospice, the Whitley County Historical Museum, or an animal shelter of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.