Obituaries

October 27, 1936 to November 14, 2021

WINAMAC - Thomas Abraham “Tom” Halleck Sr., 85, of Winamac, passed away surrounded by his family at 12:40 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 14, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born Oct. 27, 1936 in Logansport, to the late Dr. Harold J. and Bernice L. Carson Halleck. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1954. He attended Purdue University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1959 and a master’s degree in 1971. On June 12, 1960, Tom married Barbara Jean Dickey, in Indianapolis. She survives.

Thomas Halleck Sr.

Survivors also include:
Thomas A. (Tammy) Halleck Jr., Star City, Son
Beth A. (Brad) Ruff-Crawford, Winamac, Daughter
Jennifer L. (Dan) Knebel, Winamac, Daughter
Cynthia H. (Joe) Garnett, Westfield, Daughter
Edwina (Pooh) Murray, Fort Covington, NY, Daughter
Marie Mulcare, Massena, NY, Daughter
10 Grandchildren: Tiffany (Evan) Howe, Jake (Jenna) Ruff, Taylor (Grant) White, Garrett (Katelyn) Knebel, Josh (Hayley) Ruff, Catherine (Brent) Evans, Tabatha (Anthony) Chapman, Alyssa (Greg) Burns, JT (Lindy) Garnett, and Kelsey Crawford.
10 Great-Grandchildren
2 special nephews: Jim and Kurt

Preceded in death by:
Jeff Ruff, Son-in-law
Shirley (Richard) Reidelbach, Sister
Marilyn (Jim) Cory, Sister

In addition to being a well-respected teacher at Winamac Community High School for 38 years, Mr. Halleck was also a lifelong farmer. He was fondly known to many as “Big Dog” and was famous for his fruit fly genetics project. He and his wife were avid supporters of the Winamac Music Boosters program and started the moon crater and lemon shakeup fundraiser; which continues today. His hobbies included cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers, playing board games, and fishing. He often fished in Minnesota, with a lifelong goal of catching the elusive prize bass fish he called Walter. He was a longtime member of Star City United Methodist Church, as well as a supporter and fundraiser for Winamac’s July 4th fireworks. In his youth, he was recognized with a Certificate of Heroism from the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America for having saved the lives of three mothers and their three children, who were drowning in the Tippecanoe River just behind his home on Riverside Drive. He did this despite not knowing how to swim. His greatest passion was his family. In addition to raising their own children, he and his wife opened their home to many others and loved them as their own.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the church Thursday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 18, at Star City United Methodist Church in Star City, with Pastor Tom Richards officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donatons may be made to Winamac Fireworks Fund or Star City United Methodist Church.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.