Thomas E. "Tom" Parkhurst, age 64 of Elwood, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood following a massive heart attack.  He was born July 2, 1954 in Anderson, the son of William L. and Francis Joann (Haney) Parkhurst.  He attended Owens Community College, where he obtained degrees in diesel automotives, and general automotives.  Tom married Alice "Lou" Huff on July 30, 2017.  He was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Elwood.  Tom worked as a semi-truck driver for Celadon Trucking Company for 3 ½ years, until he retired in 2018, and he had previously worked at Ricker Automotive for 5 years.  He had also previously worked in maintenance at many apartment complexes, was a driver for Brinks, and owned a tire and repair shop with his son.  Tom liked to go fishing, and also enjoyed camping at Marbrook Campground in Gas City with his wife.  He was a great artist at writing songs and poems, drawing, sketching cartoons, and singing at church.  Tom liked to listen to the radio, especially country music, and the oldies stations, and he liked to relax by cuddling close to his wife.  Lou and Tom had many great memories together driving the truck on long weekly to monthly routes.  He enjoyed watching television and playing chess with his grandson.  Tom was always friendly and never met a stranger.  More than anything, Tom loved his family and truly enjoyed life.

Tom's family includes wife, Alice "Lou" Parkhurst of Elwood; 2 children, Michelle L. Kegley of Northwood, OH, and Zackary S. Parkhurst of Fuqay Varina, NC; grandmother, Gladys Parkhurst of Anderson; 3 brothers, Steven L. Parkhurst of Gallatin, TN, Monte J. (wife Kathy) Schafer of Brisco, AR, and Randall D. Lightford of Anderson; 2 sisters, Andrea Keesling of Gallatin, TN, and Donna Niedbalski of Toledo, OH; mother-in-law, Mary Jane Wilson of Elwood; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several half-brothers and sisters; several step brothers and sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; half-brother, William "Billy" Parkhurst II; grandfather, Melvin Parkhurst; and grandmother, Juanita Hewitt.

A funeral service celebrating Tom's life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Monday, April 8, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Rodney Ellis of the First Missionary Baptist Church officiating.  Cremation will take place, and burial at a later date.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday, April 8, 2019 prior to the service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.   Memorial contributions are suggested to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home to help offset unexpected funeral expenses.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.