Thomas C. “Tom” Stone, age 75 of Elwood, passed away with his wife at his side on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis following a brave battle against cancer. He was born August 2, 1944 in Linton, Indiana the son of Riley and Mary (Isbell) Stone. Tom graduated from Westfield High School in 1962 and later graduated from Indiana State University in Terre Haute with a Bachelor’s Degree in education. He received his Master’s Degree from Ball State University several years into his teaching career. Tom married his wife Sandy on July 23, 1966, and they shared over 53 years of marriage together. Tom began his teaching career at Taylor Middle School in Kokomo and also formerly worked as a speech pathologist. He later worked as an 8th grade English teacher at Elwood Middle School for 22 years and enjoyed substitute teaching for several years after retirement. During the summer months off from teaching, Tom enjoyed carpentry and was known for building decks for countless people. He was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Elwood where he served as a Deacon. Tom was currently an active member of East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood for many years.

Tom cared about the Elwood community with dedicated service in numerous organizations. He was the current President of the Elwood Optimist Club in which he was active for over 39 years and formerly served as Treasurer of the club. He was also the founding coordinator of the former Junior Optimist Club in Elwood. Tom could always be found at weekly Optimist meetings, the Optimist fruit drink stand, Optimist Pancake breakfasts, Tri-Star sports events, and working at the annual Chili Cook-Off with other club members. In recent years, Tom was elected to the position of District Governor of the Central Indiana Optimist District. He was also a member of the Pipe Creek Historical Society; current board member for the Elwood Park Board; member of the Elwood Library Board; former board member of the Elwood Main Street Committee; and member of the Indiana State Teachers Association.

Tom especially enjoyed driving his red Mazda Miata convertible as often as possible, including several trips around the country with other Miata owners. He enjoyed growing tomatoes every summer to give away to friends and family. Tom and Sandy enjoyed traveling for many years and cherished the memories from several U.S. and overseas trips. He also went on numerous white-water rafting adventures; was an avid fan of I.U. and the Colts; played Euchre regularly in a monthly card club; and enjoyed genealogy and writing books about the history of Elwood. More than anything, Tom adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with his family.

Tom’s family includes his wife, Sandy Stone of Elwood; son, Michael (wife Jennifer) Stone of Franklin; daughter, Michele “Shelly” Stone of Portland, OR; brother, Kenneth (wife Debbie)