Calvin Thomas "Tom" Loar, age 71 of Columbia City and formerly of Elwood, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Saturday, April 23, 2016. He was born March 25, 1945 in South Bend, the son of Margaret Hayden. Tom retired from Dana Corporation in 2007 where he worked in production for more than 12 years. He also formerly worked at Heiser Ford and Ex-Cello Corporation in Elwood. He was a 1963 graduate of Star City High School, and later proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He married Jo "Jodi" Hankley on March 21, 1970 and they shared more than 46 years together. He currently attended the Wolf Lake United Methodist Church, and was a former member of the American Legion and the Elwood Elks Lodge. Tom especially enjoyed fishing and working on cars. He will always be remembered for his ability to fix anything. He also took great pleasure in remodeling numerous homes he and Jodi have owned. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Tom's family includes his wife of more than 46 years, Jo "Jodi" Loar of Columbia City; 2 sons, Robert Keith Loar of Prague, Czech Republic and Shawn (wife Amanda) Loar of Elwood; 2 grandchildren, Hailee Loar and Ryleah Loar; sister-in-law, Celia Enyeart of Princeton; a niece, Dedra; 2 nephews, Cory and Clay; and numerous other in-laws and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dean Enyeart.

A funeral service celebrating Tom's life will be conducted at 2 PM on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Tom's brother-in-law, Bill Hunt officiating. Entombment will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum where Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy and the Elwood American Legion. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 AM to 2 PM on Thursday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home prior to the funeral service. Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.copherfeslermay.com.