Thomas E. Roney

June 28, 1946-April 11, 2017

 

Thomas E. “Tom” Roney, age 70, of Greenfield, Ind., 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 13 classmates who  ere 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 U.S. 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 and 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, Republican Party and fruit and vegetable grower associations, including Indiana Horticulture Society, Indiana Vegetable Growers and Indiana  Farm Market Assoc.

 

Tom also served as Hancock County councilman for more than 20 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 his brother Mike (Helen) Roney of Greenfield; and nieces and nephews Ruth Ann, David, Elizabeth, Frank, Thomas, Benjamin and Sarah Roney. He is preceded in death by his parents.

 

Visitation was April 17 at Stillinger Family Funeral Home in Greenfield, and funeral services took place there Tuesday. Memorial contributions in honor of Tom may be made to: Mohawk United Methodist Church, 2045 West 400 North, Greenfield, IN 46140.