Thomas J. White

Thomas J. White, age 61 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 12, 2024, at home with family by his side. Born October 28, 1963, in New Albany, IN, he is the son of T.J. and Lavon (nee: Crowley) White. Tom married Karen “Kate” (nee: Wilmer) White on December 11, 1987, at St. Mary’s Church in Greensburg. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church. Tom was one of a kind. He was fun loving and everyone was easily drawn to him. Family gatherings were always much more fun with him on hand. He knew how to spice up a story to draw laughter. His loads of knowledge on various topics never ceased to amaze his family. For that, he was teased that he graduated from KIAU… “Know It All University”. Tom loved his three kids dearly and was very proud of them. He was always there for them and attended all ballgames and events with which they were involved. Tom was “Pappy” to his thirteen beautiful grandchildren (with another soon to be born). He was crazy about them, and they were he. Tom was a very dedicated and successful Kentucky Fried Chicken franchisee for more than 25 years. His parents opened their first franchise with the helpful influence of Colonel Harland Sanders. Tom celebrated his family’s fifty years of service at his retirement in June 2022. At Tom’s delight, his young grandkids always mistook the Colonel’s picture as he, their Pappy. Tom loved his employees and was good to them. He found joy in sharing life tips to help them. They were his second family. Tom loved his family and took care of them well. Scheduling car maintenance, sneaking carwashes and gas fills or buying dinner for everyone gave him joy. He kept everything running smoothly and loved doing random kind acts for them. He loved grilling on a Sunday afternoon. One of his family’s favorites was his BBQ chicken. He claimed each batch was better than the one before. Tom loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles and rode many a mile with Kate or with his friends. He never left a “bug splat” or “speck of dirt” stay too long after a ride. His family has witnessed many a washings and use of his leaf blower afterward to dry his shiny ride with ease. After retirement, Tom found joy in cutting grass for his mother-in-law. Kate always teased her mother that she loved seeing him more than her. Motorcycle trips with his buddies that would start with breakfast on Sunday mornings were one of his favorites. Soon to be named by his wife, “The Old Farts Club”. He volunteered for the local food pantry by picking up and delivering donations until he was no longer physically able. Tom was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith this year at St. Louis Church where his children were also baptized and confirmed. Tom was a treasure. We are better for having loved him and having been loved by him. He will be greatly missed! He is survived by his wife Kate White of Batesville; son Thom Jr. (Megan) White of Borden, IN; daughters Lindsey (Kris) Hortemiller of Westfield, IN and Molly (Aaron) Stirn of Batesville; grandchildren Eva, JJ, Titus, Ace, Robert, Felicity, Oliver, Eden, Layken, Bianca, Aris, Wrenley, and Millie; sisters Janey Lewis of Batesville; Geri Schweinhart of New Albany, Indiana; brother-in-law Rick Lewis of Batesville, as well as several nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation is Friday, December 20, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, December 20, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church. The burial will immediately follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis School, St. Louis Church, St. Louis Restoration Fund, Margaret Mary Hospice, or a Pro-Life Cause of donor’s choice.

Thomas J. White

October 28, 1963 - December 12, 2024