Thomas Charles Stathis Sr.

1937 - 2024

Thomas Charles Stathis Sr.

February 2, 1937 - October 17, 2024

Thomas C. Stathis Sr., the son of James A. Stathis and Nina Bauguess, passed away on October 17, 2024, in the care of his children and the VNA Hospice NWI.

Tom grew up in Gary, Crown Point, and Glen Park, attended Crown Point High School for 3 years, and ultimately graduated from Tolleston High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Tom worked for American Bridge and Midwest Steel Corporation, where he retired after many years as a pipe fitter and welder.

Tom was an avid collector of depression glass, amassing several notable collections, including Princess and his personal collection of Cambridge Glass, which he showed at numerous collectors' conventions, including the National Cambridge Collectors Annual Conventions.

Tom played and loved the game of pool for 74 years. He participated in local leagues and traveled to Las Vegas annually for many years to play in sanctioned, national amateur tournaments. He placed 4th in the Seniors Division in the 1992 BCA Nationals and had numerous other wins and high finishes in local, state, and national tournaments. He was always one to spread his knowledge, freely dedicating countless hours to educating younger players on the basics of the game.

Later in life, he combined a passion for miniature LED design with a love for model railroading. Tom built full-scale layouts, dioramas, and custom components for countless layouts across the globe. Tom was affectionately known in the model railroad industry as "The LED Man." He created a notable collection of miniaturized LED-lit elements for train layouts, including switchmen with a red flare or white flashlight, animated spectators that wave at the engineer as the train passes, and police cars with officers outside writing tickets. Tom demonstrated his first hands-on switching puzzle train layout at the National Model Railroad Association Midwest Regional 2024 Convention in South Bend earlier this year.

Tom became an advocate for Stroke awareness after surviving a Stroke in 2021. He printed thousands of 'BE FAST' cards and passed them out to everyone he met, encouraging them to know the signs of Stroke so that they could seek prompt medical care.

Family and friends will celebrate Tom's life on November 23, 2024.

Tom's children have established two tributes in Tom's memory. In celebration of his life, the family hopes you will consider supporting two causes close to his heart:

Educational Programming for Aspiring Young Pool Players -Dee Adkins, a world-class pool player, runs a not-for-profit youth billiard education and training facility in West Jefferson, Ohio. Tribute gifts may be made here: https://gofund.me/655d3a9e.

Stroke Survivors the Thomas C. Stathis Community Hospital Stroke Support Group provides community outreach and educational and emotional support for stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers. A gift designated either as a Tribute Gift in Memory of Thomas C. Stathis Sr. or a directed gift to the Thomas C. Stathis Community Hospital Stroke Support Group, may be made here: https://www.powershealth.org/about-us/donate-and-volunteer.