Thomas W. Webber Sr.

1936 - 2024

Thomas W. Webber Sr.

Sep 14, 1936 - Aug 10, 2024

VALPARAISO, IN - Thomas W. Webber Sr., age 87, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Valparaiso, IN. He was born on September 14, 1936, in Gary, IN, to William and Florence (Mayhew) Webber.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 68 years, Linda (Aitken) Webber; son, Thomas W. Webber Jr., James M. (Linda) Webber; daughter, Kathrine (Keith) Russ; grandchildren, Thomas III, Anthony, April, Alice, Rachel, Nicole, Thomas J., Erik, Ryan; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and brother, William H. (Debbie) Webber III.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Andrew Webber; father, William H. Webber, Jr.; mother, Florence (Mayhew) Webber; brothers, Dennis, and Terrence Webber.

Thomas graduated from Gary Emerson High School Class of 1954. He attended Purdue University and then Valparaiso University School of Law. Thomas graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 1974. He passed the Bar in 1975, and worked as an attorney from 1975 until 1989. Thomas was appointed Superior Court II Judge in 1989 by Governor Evan Bayh and retained that position until his retirement in 2002, whereby he become a Senior Judge serving Porter, Lake, Jasper, LaPorte, and Newton Counties. For this Senior Judge service, he received the Distinguished Hoosier Award from Governor Mitch Daniels in 2009. Thomas was a founding member and the first president of the Porter County American Inns of Court in 1995.

He was one of the first 5 members of the Portage Police Department, starting in 1959, and achieved the rank of Assistant Chief, retiring in 1979. Thomas was a member and Past President of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a Freemason, member and Past Master of Dunes Lodge No. 741, member of Orak Shrine, and Scottish Rite 32nd Degree.

Thomas was a founding member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Winfield and was the Lector for the church on many occasions. He was also on the building committee for the Church.

Thomas joined the Army in 1954, just prior to the Korean War's end. He then continued his service with the Army Reserves. Thomas was a member of the American Legion Post 260. He was a member and former Scout Master for the Boy Scouts and Troop 150.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at EDMONDS & EVANS FUNERAL HOME, Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Avenue, Portage, IN 46368, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, directly at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m., 7667 E. 109th. Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307, with Father Thomas Mischler officiating. Burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Thomas' honor may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.