Thomas Edwin Pingry

In writing about Tom Pingry, the words of a favorite Dan Fogelberg song kept coming to mind. "The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old, but his blood runs through our instruments and his songs are in our souls. Our lives have been a poor attempt to imitate the man, but we're proud to be the legacy of the leader of the band."



Thomas Edwin Pingry, Senior, passed away in his sleep on July 13, 2025 in Ferdinand, Indiana. He died as he lived; on his own terms. Born on October 28, 1937 in the midwestern town of Pittsburg, Kansas, Tom grew up loving his country and living life to the fullest. These dual loves coalesced when he graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1959 as a proud second lieutenant in the United States Army.

Tom's army career spanned more than 20 years and saw him rise to the rank of lieutenant colonel. An infantry officer, he led from the front with courage, humility, and an unwavering sense of purpose. His duty assignments took him from Ft. Benning to Ft. Bragg, to various posts in Germany and back again. Interspersed were two combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN). As a Green Beret, Tom shared his skills with not only the South Vietnamese Army, but Montagnard and Nong allies. Those efforts resulted in his being awarded two Bronze Stars for valor. Tom can be best summarized as a soldier's soldier. He loved those whom he served and those he was entrusted to lead.

Tom loved to fly! He earned his pilot's license in a Piper J-3 Cub tail-dragger at age 17 and from then on he flew every chance he got in multiple aircraft types. Assigned as the Army Exchange officer to the U.S. Air Force's 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB, he logged numerous hours as a backseater flying in the F-4E Phantom. Tom also loved sharing his skills in the left seat with his family. It was on one such occasion, however, that a stormy encounter off the coast of Florida brought cross-country trips to an abrupt end.

Tom was always tinkering with the latest in technology. He learned how to make movies while in high school and roped his older brother, Carl, and neighborhood friends into starring in them. He and his brother shared many adventures together and he loved talking about them. One summer during college, they worked on a highway crew to earn money to get to Colorado. In addition to enjoying the mountains, he also completed two courses at the University of Colorado. He earned his amateur radio license in his early 20s, and until the day he died he could remember his call sign. After retiring from the military, Tom earned two masters degrees in computers and data management. He applied those skills in establishing a computer system to support a small town's needs in central Oklahoma.

Tom's love for adventure did not detract him from his love for his family. He loved to talk about his kids and grandkids and would proudly talk about their adventures and misadventures! Tom also enjoyed teasing his family members and always found something to be happy or optimistic about. Tom is survived by and will be sorely missed by his wife, Sheila (Potter); children: Tom Jr. and Julie Shively (Al) from his first wife; Tonya Reed (Sean) and Dawn Coryea (Travis); 10 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren. Forever more, Tom's legacy will continue within the souls of his beloved family, friends, and the country he served so faithfully.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at the Ferdinand, Indiana American Legion on August 16th from noon until 4pm EST. His family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate his life. He will be interred at Arlington Cemetery at a later date.