Thomas E. “Tom” Roney, 70, of Greenfield, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born June 28, 1946, to the late Raymond E. and Virginia (Tuttle) Roney.
Tom attended Mount Comfort High School and was one of thirteen classmates that was the first graduating class from the new Mt. Vernon High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1968, and he was also honored as Distinguished Agricultural Alumni of the Year in 1998. He served in the Navy in Vietnam as a member of the CB Battalion for two years after graduation and remained in the Naval Reserves for 26 years.
Tom’s commitment to Hancock County, community involvement and expertise in agriculture spanned many decades. Tom was Co-owner and Operator of Tuttle Orchards where he was instrumental in expanding the orchards operations including planting additional orchards, developing the cider operation, and providing excellent leadership as the business expanded. He was honored with the Master Farmer Award in 1997.
He was a longtime active member of Mohawk United Methodist Church where he served as Treasurer for 42 years. Tom was involved in almost every fruit, vegetable and agricultural organization in the state where he was respected as a valuable leader and treasurer in many of these organizations. He was active on the national, state, and locals level with Farm Bureau, Purdue Extension, Soil & Water Conservation, RC& D, NRCS, Republic Party, and fruit and vegetable grower associations including Indiana Horticulture Society, Indiana Vegetable Growers, and Indiana Farm Market Association.
Tom also served as Hancock County Councilman for over twenty years, as well as being an active member of the Hancock County Economic Development Council. He received numerous awards for his outstanding community service.
Surviving him are brother, Mike (Helen) Roney of Greenfield; nieces and nephews, Ruth Ann, David, Elizabeth, Frank, Thomas, Benjamin and Sarah Roney.
He was preceded in death by his parents listed above.
Friends may call 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 17, 2017, at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Greenfield. Funeral services will be there at 10 a.m., Tuesday.
Memorial contributions in honor of Tom may be made to the Mohawk United Methodist Church, 2045 West 400 North, Greenfield, IN 46140.
Please share your memories of Tom and condolences with the Roney family at stillingerfamily.com.
