Thomas M. Anderson

Thomas M. AndersonThomas Martin Anderson, 66 of Tipton, son of Hervey C. and Cecelia M. (Enneking) Anderson, passed away on September 12, 2011 at his residence.  He was born December 12, 1944, in Elwood, Indiana.Tom worked as a Tipton Tribune paperboy from 8 to 12 years of age. He was commended by his employer as “one of our finest newspaper boys, a real gentleman… and – a real boy.”  He then was employed by Fosters’ Jewelry as a stock boy.  At the age of 16 he began work for Don Ross Ford Dealership as an errand boy, promoted to mechanic and then service manager. He excelled at this position, earning several awards and recognitions. He remained in the Ford business until he joined Tipton School Corporation as a custodian.Tom graduated from Tipton High School in 1962 and served in the US Army as a Drill Instructor from 1965 until 1967.  He was a member of West Street Christian Church where he sang in the choir and served as a deacon. Tom was a leader of a local boy scout troop and enjoyed camping, hiking, canoeing, and touring the country with his family. Other hobbies also included woodworking and gardening.  His love for trains stemmed from his father’s job on the Nickel Plate.Tom is survived by his wife of 43 years, Renee (Welches) Anderson; one son Erin (Catherine Fritsch) of Cicero; one daughter, Heather Anderson (Erin Epp) of Tipton; one brother, Charles J. Anderson of Tipton and two sisters, Margaret A. Good of Tipton and Patricia M. Yontz of Walker, Minnesota.  Also surviving are his in-laws Philip B. Welches (Hidemi) of Park Ridge, Illinois and Emily Sue Welches of Noblesville.  He has many wonderful nieces and nephews and his faithful companions, his dog, Heidi, and cat, Max.A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 16 at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor Melissa Grishaw presiding.  Visitation will be from 3:00 until the time of the service Friday.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2723 South Albright Road, Kokomo, Indiana, 46902.