Tommy “Tom” Jay Hawblitzel, 76, Warsaw, passed away at 2:32 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, at Goshen Hospital, Goshen.

He was born on July 13, 1941 in South Bend to William Russell Hawblitzel and Jean Ruth (Andrews) Hawblitzel Whiteman. On April 13, 1975 he was married to Sara Jean (Walters) Hawblitzel, who survives.

Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1961.  He was a resident of Kosciusko County for the past 32 years, and had worked for many years at American Bolt & Screw Company in Elkhart. Tom was a founding member and longtime boat driver for the Lake City Skiers in Warsaw. For many years he was active on the Facilities Committee and sound system for Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and most currently he had been attending Warsaw Community Church.  He loved being a “Dad” and a “Grandpa,” having the privilege to always be there for his kids. Tom enjoyed being able to coach his children over the years in multiple sports. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Sara Jean Hawblitzel, Warsaw; three sons: T.J. (Carol) Hawblitzel, Jr. Western Springs, Ill.; Gary (Pam) Hawblitzel, Warsaw; Steve (Tracie) Hawblitzel, Warsaw; and his daughter: Debra (Jim) Schultz, Frankfsville, Wisc. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Cody Ratley, Rian Schultz, Franksville, Wisc; Lucy and Ella Hawblitzel, Western Springs, Ill.; McKenna, Melaina, Andrew, Alex, and Aarin Hawblitzel, Warsaw; and his brother: Don (Nancy) Edward Whiteman, South Bend.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.

His funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Jeff Pfeifer.  Full military rites will be conducted at a later date.

Memorial donations may be directed to Chapman Lakes Foundation, P.O. Box 776, Warsaw, IN 46581-0776; or to the Lake City Skiers, 2455 Hidden Lake Drive, Warsaw, IN  46580 and would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s Web Site at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com