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Tom Trowbridge

February 5, 1950 - December 21, 2017
Kendallville, IN

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Life Story / Obituary


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With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Thomas Trowbridge made the most of the days he was given while holding his loved ones near. He met challenges in life, but he faced whatever came his way head on while making the best of everything. Tom was a deeply devoted family man, and he was so thrilled to witness his family tree blossom to include the children and grandchildren he adored. Known for his strong work ethic, he was truly an inspiration to all who were near. Dearly loved, Tom will be forever missed.

The 1950s were an exciting time in America. This was the decade when Marilyn Monroe and James Dean became household names and Elvis Presley introduced the world to the sounds of rock n’ roll. It was also during this time that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus, sparking the civil rights issue in America. It was as February appeared on the horizon in 1950 that Victor Wyland and Ruby Mae (Strouse) Trowbridge were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby in Kendallville, Indiana. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Thomas Michael drew his first breath. Raised on the family farm near Albion and Kendallville, he was one of three children as he was raised alongside his brothers, Paul and Victor.

In many ways Tom was a young boy of his generation. Their family was a family of farmers, and Tom fell right in line. When he was just a young boy of nine, a block from the silo fell on his left shoulder, which left it paralyzed for the rest of his life. After the death of his father when he was in his junior year of high school, Tom started running the farm himself. Tom received the Star Chapter Farmer Award from his high school Future Farmers of America (FFA). He was also in the first graduating class of Central Noble High School in 1969.

New and exciting changes were in store for Tom when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Cynthia Diane McKenzie, and they met through Tom’s cousin, Jack Young. They began dating, and it didn’t take the couple long to fall in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together they were married on August 17, 1974, at the Beacon Baptist Church in Kendallville. Together they welcomed four children including Kim, Mike, Vickie, and Hazel into their hearts and home. Sadly, they also had an additional son, Mikey, who died since he was born with hydrocephalus. Tom made no secret of the fact that the day he married the love of his life was among the best days of his life, and the days that each of his children were born were also among the days he cherished most. They also had pets over the years including their dog, Alfalfa, and their cats, Midnight and Mazie. Later on, Tom was filled with unspeakable joy to became a grandfather to 11 grandchildren.

Tom was known for his strong work ethic throughout his life. He was a lifetime dairy farmer and also worked as a custodian for 26 years with the Central Noble School Corporation before retiring in 2014. Tom was the one who made the business what it is today from the ground up, and it was through his hard work and dedication that his family has the blessings it has. He also created a very unique and successful corn maze that the entire family has taken a part in every fall for the past 15 years. They had family pets over the years including their dog, Alfalfa, and their cats, Midnight and Mazie. Although work kept him very busy, in his down time he did enjoy watching DIY shows and going to car shows when he could.

Described as friendly, kind, strong, and caring, Thomas Trowbridge was a blessing in the lives of those around him. He worked hard, but he did enjoy life along the way, and everything was better when he was with his loved ones. Tom completely cherished his family, and he was the type of person who would do what he could for others. He will never be forgotten.

Thomas Michael Trowbridge, died Thursday, December 21, 2017, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tom’s family includes his wife, Cindy Trowbridge of Kendallville; daughter, Kim (Andy) Ames of Kendallville; daughter, Vickie (Matt) Knepper of Kendallville; daughter, Hazel (Travis) Tracy of Kendallville; 11 grandchildren: Weston, Wyland, Iva, and Ruby Ames; Seth, Madalyn, Jack, and Lilian Knepper; and McKenzie, Maggie, and Gage Tracy; brother, Paul (Brenda) Trowbridge of Carmel; brother, Victor (Linda) Trowbridge of Columbia City; many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by a son, Michael Robert Trowbridge in 1988 and granddaughter, Gracie Mae in 2008. Visitation will be held Saturday, December 23, 2017, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Hospice. Send a condolence online at hitefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.

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