Thomas Abraham "Tom" Halleck Sr., 85, of Winamac, passed away surrounded by his family at 12:40 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born on Oct. 27, 1936, in Logansport, to the late Dr. Harold J. and Bernice L. (Carson) Halleck.

Tom graduated from Winamac High School in 1954. He attended Purdue University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1959 and a master's degree in 1971.

On June 12, 1960, Tom married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Dickey, in Indianapolis.

In addition to being a well-respected teacher at Winamac High School for 38 years, Tom was also a lifelong farmer. He was fondly known to many as "Big Dog" and was famous for his fruit fly genetics project. He and Barbara were avid supporters of the Winamac Music Boosters program and started the moon crater and lemon shakeup fundraiser, which continues today.

His hobbies included cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers, playing board games and fishing. He often fished in Minnesota, with a lifelong goal of catching the elusive prize bass fish he called "Walter." He was a longtime member of Star City United Methodist Church as well as a supporter and fundraiser for Winamac's July 4th fireworks.

In his youth, Tom was recognized with a Certificate of Heroism from the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America for having saved the lives of three mothers and their three children, who were drowning in the Tippecanoe River just behind his home on Riverside Drive. He did this despite not knowing how to swim.

His greatest passion was his family. In addition to raising their own children, Tom and Barbara opened their home to many others and loved them as their own.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jean (Dickey) Halleck, of Winamac; his children, Thomas A. (Tammy) Halleck Jr., of Star City, Beth A. (Brad) Ruff-Crawford, of Winamac, Jennifer L. (Dan) Knebel, of Winamac, Cynthia H. (Joe) Garnett, of Westfield, Edwina (Pooh) Murray, of Fort Covington, New York, and Marie Mulcare, of Massena, New York; 10 grandchildren, Tiffany (Evan) Howe, Jake (Jenna) Ruff, Taylor (Grant) White, Garrett (Katelyn) Knebel, Josh (Hayley) Ruff, Catherine (Brent) Evans, Tabatha (Anthony) Chapman, Alyssa (Greg) Burns, JT (Lindy) Garnett and Kelsey Crawford; 10 great-grandchildren; and two special nephews, Jim and Kurt.

Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Harold J. and Bernice L. (Carson) Halleck; a son-in-law, Jeff Ruff; and two sisters, Shirley (Richard) Reidelbach and Marilyn (Jim) Cory.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. EST Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at Star City United Methodist Church in Star City, with Pastor Tom Richards officiating. Burial will take place in Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. EST Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac and one hour prior to services at the church Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Winamac Fireworks Fund or Star City United Methodist Church.

Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac, Indiana.