Thomas W. Huber

MARION, Ind. -- Thomas W. Huber, age 56, of Marion, ended his courageous battle with cancer at 11:38 p.m. March 13, 2007, to join his heavenly Father.

He will be sadly missed by family, numerous friends and the many students whose lives he touched in countless ways. For one and all, every encounter was memorable, for Tom virtually overflowed with boisterous cheer that infected and pulsed through the hallways of school, hospital, cancer center, or at church.

He was born in Waterville, Maine, to George Huber and Lucille Huber. His mother survives. He graduated from Lawrence High School, Fairfield, Maine, in 1968. He, as well as his future bride, graduated from Boston University in 1972. That year he married Linda Kurtz. They were married 28 years. She passed away of cancer in 2001. They were both awarded master's degrees from Indiana University in 1974. He continued his relationship with I.U. through his teaching of speech for 18 years with Indiana University at Kokomo.

Tom started teaching at Oak Hill High School in Converse in 1974. He continued to teach there for 31 years. Not only did he teach English and speech, but also was the speech team coach and the drama coordinator. He had much success with his speech team, advancing to the IHSFA State Tournament 29 out of 31 seasons. He had students in almost every event at the state tournament. He had state winners in debate and impromptu. Since 1984, he had advanced students to the National Forensic League National Tournament 10 times. He had been treasurer for the Central Indiana Forensic League for 26 years. He had hosted many invitational tournaments and had hosted sectionals. For all his speech work, he was inducted into the Indiana High School Forensic Association Hall of Fame in 2002. Tom was named Speech, Debate and Theater Educator of the year for the State of Indiana in 2004. In March of 2006, he was further honored with his selection as the Speech, Debate and Theater Educator for Section 4 (made up of several states) of the National Federation of High School Associations. He had directed more than 60 plays for Oak Hill, including his favorites, "Romeo and Juliet," "The Crucible," "Alice in Wonderland," "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Night," "Trojan Women," "Diary of Anne Frank," "Pygmalion," "Matchmaker," "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe," "Les Miserables (non-musical)," "Sound of Music," "Rebel Without a Cause," "Endangered Species," and "Steel Magnolias."

Tom was involved with the Marion Evening Garden Club, which he enjoyed very much. His garden was selected for the Garden of the Month by the club. His garden was also on a tour for the Daytime Garden Club. Tom was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, where he was a lector, Eucharistic Minister and taught SRE class. He was a committeeman for the Boy Scout Troop and was a councilor for merit badges.

Tom was also involved with Marion Civic Theatre, where he was on the Board of Directors and served as a chairman of the reading committee. His productions earned more than 40 KT awards, including best play several times.

Favorite directing memories at Civic include a production of "On Golden Pond" with Adeline Nall and Jim Shildmeyer, "My Fair Lady," "Barefoot in the Park," "Rebel Without a Cause," "Tribute," "Ordinary People," "Brighton Beach Memoirs," "Jake's Women," "The Good Doctor" and "The Diary of Anne Frank." Tom also performed in a number of shows including two productions of "Glass Menagerie" where he played Jim, the gentleman caller, and many years later the lead role of Tom. He also appeared in "The Star Spangled Girl," "Dial M for Murder," "West Side Story," and "The Man Who Came to Dinner."

He was recently honored at Marion Civic Theatre by having an award given in his name. The Hubie was presented to its first recipient, Jason Greene, in 2005. In 2006, Tom received the Clarence Slusser Memorial President's Award. This was presented for his lifetime achievement with the organization.

Besides his obvious love of theater, which he indulged by attending shows in New York City, Chicago, and Stratford, Ontario, he loved to try gourmet food, and was especially pleased with any culinary creation crafted by his son.

Tom loved to travel, going on trips with each of his children. Tom was especially proud of how his children rallied around him as he fought his battle with cancer. He gave heartfelt thanks to Liesel for the care she extended towards him while at home. He was appreciative to Hans for putting aside Mondays to work with his dad on financial matters, insurance matters and talking. He was indebted to Heidi for the care she gave him after Linda passed away.

Tom loved to snow ski, sail, and canoe. He especially enjoyed sailing with his brother, Steve, and friends, Adam Mauman and Tommy Yun. He is forever grateful for the care, love, and fun with his special friend, Carla Tucker. Tom was inspired by a sentiment expressed in the movie, Moulin Rouge, which extolled "beauty, truth, freedom, and most of all, love." He lived these ideals by genuine example.

Survivors include a son, Hans Huber and his fiancŽe, Amber Shook, of Marion; daughters, Liesel Huber and her friend, Nolan Rademaker, of Noblesville and Heidi (Eric) Wood; brothers, Richard (Kathy) Huber of Waterville, Maine, Steven Huber of Winslow, Maine and Kevin (Lisa) Huber of Scarborough, Maine; his spirited nieces and nephews, Danny and his godchild, Kristen, Garrett, Sarah, Ryan and Eric; as well as many cousins in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Maine. Tom loved to be with his five "step-grandchildren," Daniel, Brandon, Jakey, Katherine and Logan. Tom especially liked being called, "Mister Grandpa." As Tom started to think of friends he wanted to mention, he realized he had been blessed with many dear friends in his heart, too numerous to name.

Services were held Monday, March 19, in St. Paul Catholic Church, 1009 Kem Road, Marion, with Father Richard Weisenberger officiating.

Visitation was held Sunday, March 18, in Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion.

Burial will be a private family observance.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, 1009 Kem Road, Marion, IN 46952 and Marion Civic Theatre, 505 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953.

Online condolences can be made at http://www.ravenchoate.com