Thomas Jacob Stickrod

Thomas Jacob Stickrod, 88, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, just two months after the passing of his beloved wife, Nancy. Their love story-marked by devotion, faith, laughter, and family-continues now eternally, as they remain together in Heaven, deeply missed by all who loved them.

Thomas was born on March 10, 1937, and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1958, stationed at Fort Gordon in Georgia. Following his service, he attended Purdue University for two years, majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He later devoted over 30 years of dedicated service to Fairfield Manufacturing, retiring in 1999.

On June 6, 1974, Thomas married the love of his life, Nancy, at Oakland Hill (Westland) Church in Lafayette. Together they recently celebrated 51 years of marriage and built a beautiful, blended family that became the very center of their lives. Between them, they raised five children-two hers and three his-but in their home, there was never such a thing as "step." Every child belonged, every heart was included, and the love they shared was genuine, intentional, and unconditional.

Thomas and Nancy were longtime, devoted members of Gathering Point Church in Dayton, Indiana (formerly Dayton United Methodist Church), and Englewood Methodist Church in Englewood, Florida. They were also active participants in Marriage Encounter and proud members of the Dayton Optimist Club for over 40 years, reflecting their deep commitment to faith, service, and community.

Thomas is survived by his loving children:

Dwight Stickrod (Michelle) of Chicago, IL;

Patricia Chismar of Burlington, KS;

Ruth Gibson (Tony) of Lafayette, IN;

Marc Plybon (Bethany) of Lafayette, IN;

Jacqueline Brown (Jason) of Delphi, IN.

He was a cherished grandfather to Kassandra Nicol (Erik), Levi Rhymer (Morgan Beard), Kaitlin Plybon, Hayley Powell (Mitchell), Brett Stickrod (Andy McKernan), Kelly Phillips (Meredith Phillips), Matthew Stickrod (Kaitlyn), Shelby Posey (Josh), Reid Rech, Aubrey Rech, Ashley Butcher, Cody Butcher (Tiffany Warf), Devin Gibson (Tyana Taylor), Levi Brown, and Katie Brown, and a proud great-grandfather to 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Vivian Francis of Lafayette, IN and his brother Edward Richard Stickrod of Bend, OR.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; his first wife Diana Hecht married from 1961 to 1973; his parents, Lilly Amanda Stickrod and Thomas J. Stickford; his brothers, William Francis Stickrod and Phillip Keith Stickrod; and his grandson-in-law, Joshua Morgan.

Thomas loved life's simple joys. He enjoyed golfing and was especially proud of his hole-in-one on the 13th hole at Edwood Glen Golf Course. He loved old country music and was an avid sports fan-faithfully cheering for Purdue, the Indianapolis Colts, as well as the Chicago Cubs and Bears.

To his children and grandchildren, Thomas was one of the kindest, sweetest, most laid-back, and patient men you could ever meet. He was famously known as one of the best-and slowest-storytellers, masterfully drawing you in only to end the story with a perfectly timed joke. The punchline always took a while, but it was always worth the wait. His humor, warmth, and gentle spirit left lasting impressions on everyone he met.

Thomas took care of everyone. He loved deeply and without hesitation. His home with Nancy was always the safe place-a refuge no matter the circumstance. The grandchildren knew without question that Grandma and Grandpa's house was where they could always turn, where love lived freely and judgment never entered.

Please join us on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Tippecanoe Funeral and Cremation Services, 1671 W. 350 N., West Lafayette, IN 47906. Visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m., with a Celebration of life with Military honors starting at 12:00 p.m., Burial will immediately follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W 350 N West Lafayette IN 47906.

Thomas Jacob Stickrod was a devoted husband, a remarkable father, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather, and a steady presence of kindness and faith. Though he is now reunited with Nancy, the love they shared lives on through generations-and their legacy will forever be carried in the hearts of those blessed to call them family