Obituaries

July 30, 1934 to February 23, 2015

WINAMAC - Thomas Luther Blinn, 80, of Winamac, died Monday evening, Feb. 23, at the University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, AZ. 

He was born July 30, 1934 on his family’s farm outside Star City, in Van Buren Township, to the late Luther A. and P. May House Blinn. He married Charlotte C. Haselby on March 20, 1960. She survives.

Also surviving are a daughter Lore (Randy) Gibson and grandchildren Maia Gibson and James Gibson of Lafayette and stepsister Marie Brown of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mike Blinn, and granddaughters Susanna, Corinne and Emme Gibson.

Upon graduation from Star City High School in 1952, Mr. Blinn earned a B.S. in agricultural economics from Purdue University in 1956. He served his country during peacetime in the U.S. Army for two years. Following his father and grandfather as a farmer, he took great pride in bettering his family's life and contributing to feed the world. For 30 years, in addition to farming, he worked as a salesman for Pioneer Hybrids.

Mr. Blinn was a member of the Star City United Methodist Church, serving as treasurer, member of the administrative board, and adult Sunday School teacher for many years. He served on the Pulaski County Fair Board and as president of the Star City West cemetery board. When elected to the school board for the Eastern Pulaski School Corporation, he aided in the consolidation of the middle and elementary schools. Winamac Lodge No. 262 of the Free and Accepted Masons awarded him a 50-year lifetime membership in 2013. In the last five years, he was a member of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
He was a dedicated golfer, Cubs fan, sports lover, and John Deere guy. Upon retirement, he enjoyed afternoon "tea time" with his friends at the Oak Grove in Star City. Other than peach, he always loved a good piece of pie. Except for college, the military and winters in Tucson, Arizona where he soaked up the sun and golfed with friends, Pulaski County was his home.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Star City United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ruth Waite officiating. Friends may call from 12:30 until the time of services. Inurnment will be in the Star City West Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to the Star City United Methodist Church.