Melvin W. “Tom” Tompkins, 85, of New Castle, passed away on January 15, 2023, at IU Ball Memorial. He was born on March 5, 1937 in New Castle, the son of the late Cullom and Vernice (Bittner) Tompkins.
Tom graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He retired from Modernfold. Tom was an amateur radio operator and spent hours designing, building, and testing antennas. He enjoyed astronomy, bowling, and photography. He attended Memorial Wesleyan Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Penny.
Tom is survived by three children, Debbie (Jeff) Howe, Penny Marcum, and Terry (Brandy) Tompkins, sister Donna (James) Judy; grandchildren, Brandy (Trent) Brewster, Travis (Wendy) Howe, Stephanie Howe, Daniela Marcum, Corwin Marcum (Jade), Tiffany Tompkins, and Brittany Tompkins; great grandchildren, Hailee, Trighton, Madison, Wyatt, Sam, Brayden, Savannah, Sadie, Luke, John, Zanler, Teaghan, and baby Lillian, nephew Brian, and niece Suzanne.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Thelma (Jay) Tompkins.
Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023, at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Dr. Joe Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Friday prior to the service. You may share a memory or condolence of Tom at www.hinsey-brown.com.