Thomas Eugene Kennerk, of Adams Lake, formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

He was born to the late Clarence J. and Eileen R. (Brouwer) Kennerk on January 16, 1943.

He leaves behind his wife of almost 60 years, Janie. Daughter, Lisa; her children, Rashelle and Joe Webster, and their children, Karsyn Pabla, Grayson Webster; Abby Booker and Nate Kratzman, and their children Zoey Kratzman, Bryson Booker, Cruz Booker, and Jordyn Booker; Robert and Kelzi Samuel; and their children Ava and Asher Samuel. Son, Timothy and Leeann (Vandall)-Kennerk; and their children, Aaron and Lauren (Kelty)-Kennerk; and their children, Elias, William, and Peter; Andreya and Chynna Hale; Ryan and Alexis (Shade)-Kennerk. Daughter, Marcia and Jon Schneider; and their children, Alex McKinley and his son Kristopher McKinley; Bob McKinley and his son Wade McKinley; Kirsten and Seth Jines and their children, Kenzie and Noah Jines; Matthew Schnieder and his sons Kyle and Mark Schneider. Daughter, Jennifer Kennerk; and her children, Elizabeth Kennerk, her children, Natasha and Nathaniel Kennerk; Marty Hockenberry and his daughter, Willow Hockenberry.

Tom was also preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Kennerk-Rogers; grandson, Corey Michael Kennerk; and great-grandsons, Luke Schneider and Wyatt McKinley.

Tom Graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1961 and started employment at International Harvester that fall, retiring on September 1, 1991 after 30 years, including 8 years in Springfield, Ohio. Tom served in the 890th Transportation Corp Army Reserve between 1964-1969 including 18 months of Active Duty at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Tom was active in Scouting, starting with his young brother-in-law, John Solga in Webelos. While at Precious Blood, Tom was Thunderbird District Outstanding Cub Master 1976-1978 for Pack 3317. Tom and his brother-in-law Don Rogers coached minor league and little league for the Hamilton Park Tigers. In 1976 IH honored him with a Civic Citation for Voluntary Community Service. Miami District BSA awarded Tom with the Council Patch for his work in Thunderbird District and Miami District with the Boy Scouts from Saint Therese. After retirement, Tom worked at the Waynewood Inn and then Wayne High School. He and Janie retired to Adams Lake after school was out the summer of 2005. Tom had been a member of UAW Local 605 for many years. He was a past member of the American Legion Post 241, Waynedale; Post 86, Kendallville; and a current member of Post 381, Rome City where he was a past 2nd Vice Commander.

Tom is in Heaven with his best friends, Jim Robinson, Larry Edwards, and Sam Fraisure, his Hunting, Fishing, and Bowling friends. Each of these men meant a lot to Tom.

A Funeral celebrating Tom's Life will be Monday, December 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Calling will be from 12 p.m. until the start of the service at 2 p.m. Entombment will follow at Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Saint Gaspar's Capital Campaign Fund.

Share fond memories and condolences at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com