PLYMOUTH- Thomas H. Whiteman, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully into his Savior's arms on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at MediLodge Nursing Home in Holland, Michigan.
Tom was born on June 24, 1941, in Gary, Indiana, to James and Ruby (Howland) Whiteman. He attended La Paz High School, graduating with the class of 1961. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a soldier, welder, and blacksmith. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.
On April 15, 1966, Tom married Maxine Norton. Together, they built a life and raised two sons: Thomas H. Whiteman, Jr. (Lori) of Gahanna, Ohio, and Todd Ernest Whiteman (fiancée, Amber Niblock) of Holland, Michigan.
Tom was a mechanically gifted and resourceful man who wore many hats throughout his working life, including welder, cook, business owner, and millwright. In the early years of their marriage, Tom and Maxine operated Tom's Mobile Service near U.S. 6 and U.S. 31. He eventually traded business ownership for a career as a millwright, first working at Allied Products and later at Bendix. During his 32 years at Bendix, Tom was an active member of United Auto Workers Local #9, where he served his fellow members as both a steward and trustee. He proudly retired in 2006.
Tom was a compassionate, giving, and selfless man who did not seek recognition for the things he did for others. He was both a gifted athlete and a skilled tradesman, with a remarkable ability to fix just about anything that was broken and possessed the unique ability to turn any idea into something tangible.
Tom and Maxine were longtime attendees of Beaver Creek Wesleyan Church, where they formed lifelong friendships with fellow members of their church family. There, Tom generously put his talents to work in service of his God and Church, always willing to repair, build, or create whatever was needed.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Maxine; his sons, Tom (Lori) of Gahanna, Ohio, and Todd (fiancée, Amber) of Holland, Michigan; and his grandchildren, Zachary-Thomas Whiteman, Keiffer Whiteman, Hannah Whiteman, Landon Whiteman, Sophia (Christian) Krimendahl, Noah (Olivia) Whiteman, Eva Whiteman, and soon-to-be grandson, Lincoln Niblock.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Ruby B. Whiteman; his siblings, James J. Whiteman, Deborah J. Emmons, Richard B. Whiteman, and Robert E. Whiteman. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Lisa Whiteman (née Weener), the late wife of his son, Todd.
Tom’s family would like to thank the many professionals who provided care for him in the years and months before he went to his eternal home: the home care team from VA Wyoming Michigan, Holland Hospital, MediLodge of Holland, and Holland Hospice.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. Funeral services will immediately follow, with Pastor Ben Jones officiating.
Graveside services will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors rendered by the U.S. Army and the Plymouth American Legion Post #27.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland, Holland, Michigan.
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
