Thomas Eugene Gladieux

Thomas E. Gladieux, 89, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, July 15, 2024 at home surrounded by family. Born September 22,1934 he was the son of the late Clement and Helen (Schenher) Gladieux. Tom was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and Indiana University/State Police Academy. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Indiana Troopers Association, and Retired Troopers Association. He was an Indiana State Trooper for 20 Years. After retirement he entered a second career as Director of Personnel for Gladieux Refinery. In 1988 he and his wife Mary moved to Sun City, AZ with the Coney Express franchise. Eventually he moved on, and with the true love of cars he shared with his father, he entered the automotive sales industry. He was a sales manager for Coulter Cadillac in Phoenix and eventually went on to open his own used car dealership in Sun City, AZ. After retirement he returned to Fort Wayne to be closer to family. Tom will be remembered by friends and family as someone who had a zest for life. The Indy 500 Race, Notre Dame Football and any basketball he could find on TV were favorite pastimes. Together with his sister, Evelyn, they enjoyed the Arizona casinos. He looked forward to getting in the car and hitting the road to visit his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren living out of state. He loved good food and always looked forward to happy hour with his favorite Italian greyhound “Rudy” on his lap. With a true entrepreneurs’ spirit, Tom always had the next best idea; his home improvements were epic, although not always DYI approved! Surviving is his wife, Mary A. Gladieux of Fort Wayne; children Kimberly (Dennis) Bloom, Delaware, OH; Mary (Ken) Smith, Albuquerque, NM; Nancy (Dave) Baker, Ostrander, OH; Susan Ulrich, New Haven, IN; and David (Lori) Gladieux, Pleasant Lake, IN. Also surviving are stepchildren Greg Sive, Deborah (Akber) Meruani, Michelle (Randy) Rice, Kate Peterson, all of Ft Wayne; and Sheila (Joe) Terlowsky, Albion, IN. Tom leaves 24 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren to cherish his memory. Tom was proceeded in death by his parents; his son, Timothy E. Gladieux; brothers, Don Gladieux, Gerald Gladieux, Harold Gladieux, William Gladieux; and sisters Lavon Gladieux Meyer and Evelyn Gladieux Shiere. Funeral Service is 4:00 pm Friday, July 19, 2024 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with calling prior from Noon until time of service. Memorial Contributions in Tom's memory may be directed to Humane Fort Wayne, Stillwater Hospice, or the Tunnell to Towers Foundation. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Gladieux family.