Thomas Newlin

Thomas (Tom) Everett Newlin was born in Plainfield, Indiana on June 14, 1935 to Lawrence and Edythe Newlin. He passed away peacefully at 91 in his hometown surrounded by family on August 6, 2026. He was the second of Lawrence and Edythe’s children along with Jane (Timian), Max, and Alice (Huus).

Tom was all-American: a farmer’s son, a youth leader, a member of the choir, senior class president, a horseman, a Cubs fan, a basketball player turned golf enthusiast. Tom was a Hoosier: he drove a team of horses before he was old enough to go to school; he embodied his Quaker values, serving as a member of and for his community; and he knew exactly where he was sitting on March 20, 1954, when Bobby Plump of Milan High School made the basket to win the state championship at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Tom was a devoted husband. He met Nancy (Dickinson) at Earlham College, where he studied chemistry, played intramural basketball, and worked at an ice cream parlor. Tom and Nancy fell in love while singing in the Concert Choir. Upon graduating in 1957, they married. The seven decades they spent together were made rich through their shared pursuits: singing, churchgoing, philanthropy, volunteerism, and, above all, parenthood.

With an M.S. in physical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Tom started his career as a chemist at Eli Lilly and Company and retired as the administration division director of Eli Lilly S.A. in Kinsale, Ireland. He was revered for his acts of service, holding positions and earning honors across several community and educational organizations, including Earlham College, Hendricks County Community Foundation, and Strides to Success. He was especially humbled when he returned to Plainfield High School to be inducted into the hall of fame. However, recognition was not his driving force. It was Nancy and Tom’s shared mission to foster a thriving community for the next generation.

Tom was the moral compass for his four sons Mark, Jay, Tim, and Steve, and his unofficial adopted son, Jose. He was the master of quiet authority and led by example. He illuminated a vision of integrity, humility, and compassion that his sons honor and emulate. To them, he is a hometown hero – due, in equal parts, to his virtuous character, many civic achievements, and his legendary left-handed homerun swing made famous in church league softball.

Tom will be fondly remembered by his wife Nancy; sons, Mark (Tudy), Jay (Kim), Tim (Deb) and Steve (Michelle) Newlin; his 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. They invite you to join them at a celebration of life, which will be held at Plainfield Friends Meeting at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Tom's memory to Strides to Success located at 1350 Terry Dr, Plainfield, IN 46168.  stridestosuccess.org/product/donation