1921
Thomas
2018
Thomas Wickliffe Cundiff
April 14, 1921 — April 21, 2018
Born April 14th 1921, loving Husband, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather flew to heaven at 12:25 AM Saturday, April 21,2018 just one week after his 97th birthday. He was preceded in passing by his wife of nearly 71 years, Maxine Shaw Cundiff, and his daughter Claire Elaine (Cundiff) Lewis. He is survived by his son Paul Winston Cundiff, his Daughter in Law Martenia Bloyd Cundiff, two grandchildren, Tara Elizabeth (Cundiff) Bowling, and her husband Joel Bowling, his other natural grandchild Taylor Wycliffe Cundiff and his stepgrandchild Tiffany Coffey Skeens and her husband Landon M. Skeens. Also surviving are 6 great grandchildren: Breanna T., Brody T. and Berkley P. Bowling, Charlie Wycliffe Cundiff and Anna E. and Barrett A. Skeens.
Tom was a graduate of Rose Polytechnic Institute (now Rose-Hulman) on the GI bill after WWII and worked a Pfizer Inc. Vigo County plant as a chemical engineer and production manager for his entire career.
Tom was a member of Maple Avenue United Methodist Church where he sang Bass in the choir for almost 75 years and served in various capacities such as finance chairman, pledge chairman, and building committees for most of those 75 years. Last year he received his 75 year pin as a member of Terre Haute Lodge #19 F & AM.
Tom was a veteran of WWII after serving in France as a company clerk for the 446th Replacement Company 85thReplacement Battalion. He was recently accompanied by his son, Paul and his Daughter in Law, Martenia and a very good friend Dr. Samir Sayegh on a trip to France to re-trace his Steps in WWII. During that trip he was recognized by the President of France who honored him with the medal of the Legion of Honor. The Legion of Honor is the highest award given in France to civilian or military, and was formed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. When he returned from WWII he married Maxine Claire Shaw of Terre Haute 23 days after returning. They were married on Jan 23, 1946 and had two children Claire Elaine and Paul Winston Cundiff. Maxine passed away on January 13, 2017 just 10 days before their 71st wedding anniversary.
Tom retired from Pfizer after 35 years of service and he and Maxine traveled the world extensively for 30 or more years visiting many countries and on cruises. Tom was an determined individual and is a liver cancer survivor, a diabetic for 35 years and on dialysis for the last two years of his life. Tom was an inspiration to all he met and to his family he loved so dearly. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family. As one of his very good friends put it " it would not be an exaggeration to say that Tom has contributed to the positive and bright course of human history and that he will continue to do so. We owe him to carry a small portion of the responsibility for a better world and he is watching over us making sure we deliver! With his smile, his love and his delightful humor! "
They don't make them any better than this guy!
Funeral services will take place at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at Maple Avenue United Methodist Church, 1203 Maple Ave., with Reverend David Rockhill officiating. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park with Military Graveside Services provided by VFW Post #972. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24th from 5:00-8:00 PM with a Masonic Memorial Service to take place at 7:00 PM in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. If friends should so desire memorial contributions may be made to Maple Avenue United Methodist Church, 1203 Maple Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47804. Funeral information may also be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .
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Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
5:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home
Funeral Services
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
Maple Avenue United Methodist Church
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