Thomas M. Means, age 87, of Indianapolis, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. He was born on June 29, 1924, to George, Sr. and Josephine Means in New Palestine.
Tom attended New Palestine High School. In 1944 and 1945, he served in the Army Air Force as a machine gunner on a B24 bomber in the South Pacific theatre. Returning home, Tom attended Purdue University earning degrees of BS, MS, and PhD (1956). Dr. Means joined the Eli Lilly Company in 1956 as a bio chemist and spent his career in the animal scientist activity. He retired in 1987 from the Eli Lilly Animal Research Administration in Greenfield. During his career Dr. Means received awards and recognition for his many accomplishments.
Tom lived his life with enthusiasm and joy. He was active in many civic organizations and Purdue alumni groups. Tom was a elder of the Irvington Presbyterian Church. He dearly loved and enjoyed his family and had many interests and hobbies. Tom truly lived each day to the fullest. He will truly be greatly missed by all who knew him!
He is survived by his wife, Judith Walker Means; son, Jeffery R. (Francis) Means; stepdaughters, Kelly and Kimberly Newman; granddaughter, Catherine Means Hurford; and grandson, Andrew T. Means. He is also survived by his brother, George, Jr. (Rosie) Means.
He was preceded by his sisters, Virginia (Merritt) Mills, Lucille (Worley) Tyler; and his brothers, Raymond Means and Charles (Mary) Means.
Visitations will be held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center – Washington Park East, 10722 East Washington Street. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at the funeral center.
