Thomas W. Ambler, 84, of Burnside, passed away at 6:35 AM Friday morning, January 15, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

 

Tom was born April 18, 1936, in Hammond, Indiana, the son of F. W. and Dorothy (Emerson) Ambler. He graduated from Hammond High School in 1954. He joined the U.S. Army in 1955 and received his Honorable Discharge in 1957. Later that year he went on to complete Electrical Apprenticeship School. On August 24, 1957, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Emerson in East Lansing, Michigan. She preceded him in death in 2013.  

 

As perfectly described by his younger brother, Dave, Tom was “a gentle, quiet and kind individual who spoke little but continuously demonstrated his goodness.” Tom worked many years for Hyre Electric in Highland, Indiana. In his “retirement” years he immensely enjoyed farming his land in rural Burnside. He was a talented handy-man and a generous volunteer, always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed woodworking and created beautiful pieces that his family and friends enjoy to this day and can now treasure for their lifetimes. An avid sports fan, Tom could often be found watching local high school basketball, cheering on his Cubbies, or watching hockey (especially the Blackhawks!). Above all else, Tom enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a caring man, who left an indelible mark on the lives and hearts of all those he met.   

 

Tom was a member of the Optimist Club in Hammond, Indiana; Shriners in Michigan City, Indiana; the Masonic Lodge 712 in Schererville, Indiana; Scottish Rite in South Bend, Indiana; American Legion in Burnside; the First Christian Church (DOC) in Carthage; Burnside Masonic Lodge #683; and Hancock Masonic Lodge #20. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Carthage Food Pantry and made many trips driving the Voluntary Action Center van to Iowa City and other locations.

 

Tom is survived by three children, Donna (Steve) Kleopfer of Carthage, Nancy (Joe) Klopfenstein of Corvallis, Oregon, and Craig Ambler of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren, Sara (Kory) King, Sandra Kleopfer, Samantha (Erie) Sparks, Andrew Thomas Klopfenstein and John Emerson Klopfenstein; great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Ashton King, Bentley Thomas and Willow Kathryn Fisher, Jackson and Gracyn Whitaker and Jason and Stephen Sparks; one brother, Dave (Mary Kate) Ambler of Kansas; a sister-in-law, Linda Depew; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn; a son in infancy; a sister, Sharon Bock; and a brother, Phil Ambler.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 23, 2021, at the First Christian Church (DOC) in Carthage with family meeting friends from 9:00 AM until time of services at the church.  A Masonic Service will be held at 10:30 AM.  Burial will be held in Moss Ridge Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Hospice or the First Christian Church (DOC) in Carthage. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.