W. Thomas Straw

W. Thomas Straw (always known as Tom) died in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 8, 2026. Tom was born in Gibson County, Indiana, on September 29, 1931, to parents Charlie and Eulah, joining siblings Clyde and Olabelle. He spent most of his youth in Griffin, Indiana, and graduated from Griffin High School in 1949. He then joined the Air Force and spent most of his enlistment in Bremerhaven, Germany, during which he had countless adventures throughout Europe and Great Britain. After completing his tour of duty with the military, Tom returned to Griffin and began a courtship with Odessa Simmons, which took some time and effort as she showed no interest in him as a schoolmate at Griffin High. Tom's charm and tenacity eventually won out and they married in 1956. He then returned to Indiana University to complete the bachelor's and master's programs in Geology. Along the way, he and Odessa gained three daughters. After graduating, he began several years of employment with the Humble Oil Company, during which his job required frequent relocations to Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The many moves offered wonderful and varied experiences, but soon grew tiresome. In 1965, Tom ended his employment with Humble and returned to Indiana University to complete his studies. After graduating with his PhD, Tom and family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Tom began his career as a professor in the recently formed Geology Department at Western Michigan University. Tom stayed with WMU until his retirement in 1997. He served as the chair of the Geology Department and is considered one of its "founding fathers", having had a major impact on its growth and success.

Tom's academic year was punctuated by summers at the Indiana University Geological Field Station in Cardwell, Montana. At first a student in 1957, he later taught and then became the Acting Associate Director of the Second Session. He found great happiness working with Dr. Judson Mead, Dr. Lee Suttner, Dr. Gary Anderson and other Professors, Teaching Assistants and students too numerous to name.

Tom and Odessa spent most of their retirement years in New Harmony, Indiana, which was up the road from their hometown of Griffin and close to many relatives. Although officially retired from WMU, Tom continued to take on private consulting work in hydrogeology for several years after the move. Tom was an active, well known, and well liked member of the New Harmony community. He served on the board of the Working Man's Institute; was an active member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, the Masons, and Kiwanis; and regularly participated in a variety of community activities and projects. As Tom was preparing to move to Las Vegas, the town showed its gratitude for his years in New Harmony by throwing a party in his name and having him to serve as the Grand Marshal at the annual Christmas parade.

Tom spent the final two years of his life in Las Vegas, living with his granddaughter Abby and her daughters Season and Zia. He was a social butterfly, friendly and chatty, easy to talk with, and highly intelligent. More than one person referred to him as a living encyclopedia. He will be missed by all.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife Odessa, parents Charlie and Eulah, sister Olabelle, brother Clyde, and granddaughter Jessica. He is survived by daughters Karen (Doug) Lockwood, Teresa (Peter) Ely, and Elizabeth Loros; grandchildren Philip, Abby, James, Anna, and David; 10 greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, including David Straw and J.R. Gouldman.

Visitation is scheduled for June 13th at 10:00 with a memorial service taking place immediately thereafter at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in New Harmony. The service will be followed by a luncheon in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tom Straw Scholarship Fund, Department of Geological and Environmental Services, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan; or St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.