Thomas Rudd, 88, of South Whitley, Ind., passed away at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2014, at his home after a brief illness.

He was born on January 6, 1926 in Culver, the son of Maurice Henry and Lois Isabelle (Todd) Rudd.

Tom graduation from South Whitley High School with the class of 1944 and went on to attend Butler University. He served with the United States Army Air Corp during World War II from 1944 and was discharged in 1946.

He married Lulu Caroline Myers on Dec. 27, 1946, in South Whitley. He owned and operated Myers and Rudd’s Friendly Service Station downtown South Whitley for 47 years. 

He was a member of South Whitley United Methodist Church, Columbia City American Legion Post #98, I.O.O.F Lodge and the South Whitley V.F.W. Tom also proudly served on the South Whitley Town Board for over 20 years. 

He is survived by his wife: Lulu C. Rudd, South Whitley; sons: David Rudd and John (Darlene) Rudd, both of South Whitley; daughters: Cheryl Wright and Jane (Les) Cripe, both of South Whitley; six grandchildren: Susan, Tom, Todd, Caroline, Donelda and Ashley; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister: Virginia Lee Purkey; a son-in-law: Donald Wright; a granddaughter: Mary Beth Wright; and a grandson: James Cripe. 

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at DeMoney-Grimes, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, July 21, at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley. Chaplain Forrest Tabor from Heartland Hospice will be officiating.

Memorial donations may be given in Mr. Rudd’s memory to Heartland Hospice or Riley Children’s Foundation.