Thomas Helwig

Thomas Edward Helwig of Zionsville, IN, peacefully passed away August 28, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was 84. Thomas was born in Indianapolis, IN on May 15, 1930 to the late Dr Edward C. and Marjorie A. Helwig. Thomas, known as Tom to his friends, graduated from Shortridge High School in 1948 before serving his country honorably in the United States Air Force as a surgical technician. After his time with the military he worked part-time as an orderly at Methodist Hospital where he met the love of his life, Catherine L. Hambright. Tom and Catherine wed on April 14, 1951. Tom continued his education at Butler University in Indinanapolis and graduated with a BS degree in 1957. He began his career as a biochemist with Pitman-Moore in Zionsville and moved on to the Dow Chemical Company where he retired after 30 years. Tom then worked 10 more years with Seradyn in Indianapolis in their control department as a microbiologist, retiring a final time in 1992. In his free time, Tom enjoyed archery, guns, fishing, boating, swimming and waterskiing but spending time with his family and friends was his favorite. He will always be remembered for his "can do" approach to life. His work ethic was topped by none. Tom was a member of the Zionsville Christian Church and the American Legion Post #79 of Zionsville, IN. Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, Catherine L. Helwig: 2 daughters, Patricia Sue (John) Hackleman of Crawfordsville, IN and Cynthia L. Hasemeier of Gulf Shores, AL, sister Mary Margaret Snapp. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren; Lora (Chris) Hackleman-Ehrenberg of Zionsville, Neil (Kami) Hackleman of Roachdale, IN, John Reed (Carey) Hackleman of Danville, IN and Ryan M. Hasemeier, of Auburn, AL with 5 great grandchildren and several neices and nephews. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 2nd from 4:00-8:00 pm with services Wednesday September 3rd at 11:00 am with calling 1 hour prior at Flanner and Buchanan-Zionsville. Entombment will immediately follow at Lincoln Memory Gardens Cemetery in Whitestown, IN. The Helwig family requests donations to the Alzheimer Foundation in Thomas's honor in lieu of flowers. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan