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Rotarian, Thomas Riley Lugar
Indianapolis – Thomas Riley Lugar passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 9, 2018. He was born in Indianapolis on August 8, 1933 to Marvin & Bertha (Green) Lugar. Tom graduated from Shortridge High School in 1951 and received a M.E. degree from Purdue University in 1955. After college, he briefly worked for Allison/Jet Engine Division until serving in the United States Army. In 1957 Tom joined his family business, Thomas L. Green & Co., Inc., a manufacturer of biscuit and cracker baking equipment founded by his grandfather. He served as president for more than 50 years. The company became a division of Reading Bakery Systems in 2001 and Tom remained active until shortly before his passing.
Tom married Sarah (Sally) Schnaiter Lugar on April 12, 1958 and they were blessed with three children and five grandchildren.
Tom was a man of deep faith and lived by simple philosophies – honesty, fairness, service, and love, which he applied both personally and professionally. Throughout his business life, Tom valued long-term relationships which resulted in life-long friendships throughout the world. Within the industry, Tom served as treasurer for the Cookie & Snack Bakers Assn. for more than 40 years and was active within the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers Assn.
Tom always displayed a caring concern for others, felt a calling for service within his own community and faithfully lived the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”. Without fanfare, Tom served as President, board member, and foundation board member for the Rotary Club of Indianapolis and had perfect weekly meeting attendance for 42 years. This June, Tom accepted the club’s Lifetime Achievement Award award. Tom also served on the board of Methodist Hospital for 14 years and served as Chairman of the Board for four years.
In his youth, Tom achieved Eagle Scout status and remained active with the Crossroads of America Council – Boy Scouts of America. He received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award for his years of service. Additionally, Tom served on the board of the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, remained active with the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and was a long-time member of the John Purdue Club, YPO, IPO and WPO. To honor his community service, Tom received the Sagamore of the Wabash award. Tom was a former member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and was an active member of Meridian Street Methodist Church.
Tom enjoyed his home life and spending time with family. Affectionately known as “Uncle Tom” by friends and family alike, he could always be called upon for a graceful prayer, a memorable toast or a silly joke in a style only he could deliver. Tom used his humor and wit to make every occasion special.
Tom raised orchids in his greenhouse, spent years building complex model ships and enjoyed capturing memories through photography—taking, printing and sharing with others. He also loved cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers, playing bridge with friends and watching and participating in the various activities of his wife, children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sally; sons Todd Lugar (Linda) and Scott Lugar (Teresa); daughter Nancy Lugar Fogle (Paul); grandchildren: Austin Lugar, Ryan Lugar, Benjamin Lugar (Emily), Brandon Lugar, and Megan Lugar; brother Richard Lugar (Charlene); sister Anne (Lugar) Johnson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Betsy Carpenter; sister-in-law Sharon Schnaiter; and step sister-in-law Lynn Caldwell; He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Lugar and Bertha Green Lugar Caldwell; step-father Howard Caldwell Sr.; step-brother Howard Caldwell Jr.; and brothers-in-law Harlow Johnson and Warren Schnaiter.
A visitation will be held Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 3-7 pm at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel, 740 East 86th Street. A funeral service will be held at Meridian Street Methodist Church, 5500 N. Meridian Street at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 17, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation (650 N. Meridian St., Indpls., IN 46204), the Crossroads of America Council – Boy Scouts of America (7125 Fall Creek Rd North, Indpls., IN 46256), Meridian Street Methodist Church (5500 N. Meridian St., Indpls., IN 46208), or your favorite charity.
To share a memory, please visit www.leppert-mortuary.com.
Published in the The Indianapolis Star on Aug. 12, 2018
