Thomas Edward Templeton

Thomas Edward Templeton passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. He was born October 15, 1936, to Philip H. and Florence Moore Templeton in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Tom is survived by his cherished wife of nearly sixty-three years, Carol Ann (Collins), as well as their four children, Jane Nichols (John), John Templeton (Dedee), David Templeton (Jennifer), and Ann Wright (Mark); grandchildren Catherine Nichols Corsaro (Daniel), Caroline Nichols Thompson (Ashton), Isabella, John and Joseph Templeton, Spencer and Katherine Templeton, Thomas and Elizabeth Wright; two great-grandchildren, Giovanni and Vincenzo Corsaro; his beloved sister, Pauline Anshutz, and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, John and Stuart Templeton and sister, Phyllis Myers.

Tom was a beloved grandson, son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, business and civic leader, friend, and neighbor.

A proud “Purple Eagle,” at Garfield High School, Tom played in the band, ran track, played golf, and had since enjoyed helping to plan class reunions. He also served as president of the City Junior Golf Association and was twice runner-up in the City Juniors’ Championship.

Tom followed his parents and older siblings’ footsteps to Indiana University, and like his father and brother before him, joined Kappa Sigma fraternity. Tom graduated from IU from the School of Business with a degree in Business Administration. Tom proudly served in the United States Navy on the USS Lake Champlain, Sixth Fleet, in the Mediterranean Sea and ports of Gibraltar, Spain, France, Italy, and Turkey.

After graduating from Indiana University, Tom joined Templeton Coal Company in 1960. He served as Treasurer, Vice President, and then President until his retirement in 2012. He remained active in the Company, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors until his death.

Tom was active in many statewide and local service and business organizations. He served on the boards of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Manufacturers Association, Indiana Coal Association, Indiana Coal Council, Indiana Coal Operators’ Pension Fund, and Lynch Coal Operators Reciprocal. Some of Tom’s community involvement included leadership roles on the boards of The Home Town Savings Bank, of which he was a director for more than 30 years, the Westminster Village Board, Community Chest, United Way, Wabash Valley Community Foundation, Taxpayers Association of Vigo County, Jaycees, Terre Haute Boys Club, Rose-Hulman Board of Associates, Junior Achievement, Country Club of Terre Haute, BPO Elks 86, Jolmac, Aero Club, and was a founder of the Vigo County Education Foundation.

Tom served as treasurer of Maple Avenue United Methodist Church for 20 years, and after his retirement, was an after school tutor at the church, helping students from neighboring schools.

A perennial contender in golfing events for more than 40 years, he loved competing in the company of many fine players and friends.

A Hoosier fan since birth, Tom was a long-time supporter of his alma mater, Indiana University, both as a 60-year member of the IU Alumni Association and the IU Varsity Club. Tom enjoyed attending Indiana basketball games with his dear friends, and football games cheering and tailgating with Carol and the string of kids and grandchildren who followed.

Tom had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He loved being with family which grew to be quite a crowd over time. Family came first, followed closely by loyalties and faithfulness. He never parted or ended a phone call with his family without saying “I love you.” A man of great integrity, kindness, faith, joy and pride in his family, community and country, Thomas Templeton was the epitome of a true gentleman.

Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home will host a visitation on Thursday, June 23rd from 3 - 7 p.m.  Callahan & Hughes is located at 605 S. 25th St, Terre Haute, IN 47803.  A visitation is also scheduled for Friday, June 24th from 12 -1 PM with a funeral service to follow at Memorial United Methodist Church, 2701 Poplar Street, Terre Haute, IN 47803.

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(***Please note that the location of the service has changed to Memorial United Methodist Church;  all times have remained the same.***)

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The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Vigo County Education Foundation, P.O. Box 3703, Terre Haute, IN 47803, www.vigocountyeducationfoundation.org or Maple Avenue United Methodist Church, 1203 Maple Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47804, or the charity of your choice.

The family owes much gratitude to Dr. Prashant Patel who provided such care and friendship, Hospice of the Wabash Valley, and the Visiting Nurses Association.  Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .