Thomas L. Bare: 1952 – 2008
Thomas L. Bare, 56, a resident of Warsaw and formerly of Noble County near Merriam, died at 2 p. m. on Friday, November 21, 2008 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. He had been a patient there since last Saturday after suffering an apparent heart attack at his residence.
Mr. Bare was born on October 14, 1952 in Indianapolis, a son of Charles Thomas and Florence (Mead) Bare, and lived there as a youth before moving to Fort Wayne in his teen years. He graduated from New Haven High School in 1972, and later served with the U. S. Army. He spent most of his adult life in the Merriam-area before moving to Kosciusko County in the last several years.
He owned and operated Bare’s Gas & Grocery in Merriam for a period, and had also worked at Dana Weatherhead in Columbia City. For the past several years he had been employed as a machinist at Zimmer, Inc. in Warsaw.
An avid fisherman, he enjoyed camping and other various outdoor activities. Most importantly he was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and brother.
The surviving relatives include his six children Bille Jo Bare of New Haven, Sarah (Jeff) Hoffman and Joan (Jason) Thomas, both of LaOtto, Benjamin T. Bare of Churubusco, Bill (Bettina) Bryan of Avilla, and Charlotte (Jon) Mosier of Columbia City; five sisters Charla (Cliff) Bitting of Albion, Doddie (Tony) Hart of Churubusco, Mindy Wert of Merriam, Libby Sherman of Summerfield, Fla., and Donita (James) Marlow of Albion; four brothers Charles G. “Ted” (fiancee Deborah) Bare of Indianapolis, Rick (Alicia) Sherman of Columbia City, Todd (Joyce) Sherman of Churubusco, and Chad Sherman of Wolf Lake; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by all of his parents including Lester and Lore Lee Sherman.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. George Cecil, pastor of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Monday from 2 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Tuesday.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the American Heart Association or to Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, Merriam.
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Bare’s memory, click on “Condolences” below. . .
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:39 am
Dear Family
Yes I remember tom well whem he was in the store at Merriam as I was a customer of his quite often and i saw hem grow up when he was with Les and Lora
Lee. Your family all has my Sympathy, God bless all
of you. Ruth Ott
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I worked with Tom since he started at Zimmer .
He was a good friend and will be missed more than
words can say. My brother pasted away this past May,and Tom met him and Jesus in Heaven on 11-22-2008.
God bless the family.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:52 am
To the Families and Loved Ones,
Please find strength in knowing that thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Being from the Wolf Lake/Merriam area makes one heart beat for all and we will all grieve the loss of your loved one. We are blessed to know “the Sherman Family”, Tom, Ben and Billie.
November 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I knew Tom through my husband, they worked together at Zimmer. He was a great man as all his friends and family already know. He will be greatly missed by everyone.He was a great friend to my husband, and I will miss hearing the funny stories from the days of my husband working with Tom.
Our prayers are with the family. May God have his healing hands on your hearts.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Charlotte and Jon and kids,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know I did not know your father but I do know what it is to lose your dad. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Love you, Angela (Pepple) Bays
November 24th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I worked with tom at dana for years he always had a great zest for life and family and a good friend to shoot the bull with.We put a few miles on our bikes and a bunch laughs doing it.Tom will be missed but he sure give me alot of happy thoughts that’s what i’ll always remember about Tom.Ted never meet you but Tom always talked about you and the things you guys did. Your family has my Sympathy Tom is in good hands know,may god bless