Obituaries

August 2, 1950 to April 11, 2025

WINAMAC - Thomas Joe Roth, 74, of Star City passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 11.

He was born Aug. 2, 1950 in Winamac to the late Howard William and Mildred Opal (Bonnell) Roth. He was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, and went to school in Pulaski through the eighth grade. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1968. He was a 10-year member of Pulaski County 4-H and was crowned Achievement King in 1969. He attended Purdue University for two years and made many friends while there. He married June Ellen Thompson, whom he met in high school, on Aug. 14, 1971, at the St. Joseph Church. In 2021, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a surprise party hosted by their four children. She survives.

Tom Roth

He is also survived by:
Natalie “Nan” Roth, Indianapolis, Daughter
Joe (Sarah) Roth, Richwood, TX, Son
Kyle (Chelsea) Roth, Zionsville, Son
Wyatt (Stacey) Roth, Indianapolis, Son
Grandchildren: Aria Roth, Owen Roth, Griffin Roth, Holden Roth, Cameron Roth, Finley Roth, Colin Roth, Brodie Roth, and Hensley Roth,
Jean (Don) Rife, Sister
Timothy (Melinda) Roth, Brother
Barbara Roth, Sister-in-law
Don (Jean) Thompson, Brother-in-law
Larry (Jean) Thompson, Brother-in-law
Richard (Denise) Thompson, Brother-in-law
Nieces and Nephews: Rachel (Bob) Dixon, Isaac (Lisa) Rife, Regina (David) Martin, Eric (Lauren) Roth, Brian (Jen) Roth, Erin Roth, Sara (Jesse) Underwood, Ashley (Shane) Ledford, Parker Roth, Angie (Ron) Bischoff, Tracy (Todd) Brandenburg, Rebecca (Mark) Riordan, and Randy Thompson.
Many Great-Nieces and -Nephews
Wayne Bonnell, Uncle
Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Lt. Col. John William Roth, USAF Ret., Brother
Jennifer (Thompson) Terry, Niece
Tyler William Roth, Nephew

Mr. Roth was a lifelong farmer, who was well-known and respected by all. He enjoyed working on the farm, especially with his cows. Throughout his life, he was employed by Powers Bros. Mowing Crew, Moyer Grain, Sohigro and Gary Hanson Electric. Most notably, he worked at Farm Bureau Co-Op, a career that spanned 35 years (from 1981 to 2016). He was a very hard worker and instilled in his children that same work ethic, as well as the value of education. In his youth, he was active with the Pulaski County Young Democrats. Later in life, he served as a voice of reason and restraint during his time as a Pulaski County Councilman. Most recently, he was serving as precinct chairperson for Indian Creek Township. He was a former 4-H Leader for the Indian Creek Livewires. He coached his kids in youth baseball and soccer. He had previously served on the Pulaski County Fair Board and the Pulaski-White Rural Telephone Cooperative Board. He was a member of the Holy Name Society for many years. He was a charter member and past president of the Star City Lion’s Club.

Tom was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. He lived life to the fullest. He always planted a large garden and shared his produce with family and friends. He enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox and was an avid Purdue football and basketball fan, as well as a Winamac Warrior fan. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his family. Most of all, he was a loving and devoted husband and father and loved being a “Papaw.”

A Lions memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, followed by a scriptural wake service. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., (Tuesday, April 15), at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 16, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, with Rev. Dennis Faker officiating. Burial will be at Buck Cemetery in Thornhope.

Memorial donations may be made to Star City Lions Club.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.