Thomas C. "Big Tom" Longardner

Thomas “Big Tom” Longardner, of Montgomery, Michigan, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2018 at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born in LaGrange, Indiana, to Carl and Martha (Hegerfeld) Longardner. He graduated from Quincy High School in 1973. After high school he became a certified master diesel mechanic, and later owned Big Tom’s Repair in Montgomery, Michigan. Tom enjoyed farming, reading, mentoring, entertaining with music and ultimately working on anything he could get his hands on. Tom married Diane L. Pittenger on January 25, 1975, at Clear Lake, Fremont, Indiana. Survivors include his wife, Diane Longardner of Montgomery, Michigan, a daughter, Kari (Mike) Prater of Montgomery, Michigan, a son, Logan (Brianna) Longardner of Fremont, Indiana, his grandson/sidekick, Mason Prater, brothers, Bob Longardner, and Dave Longardner both of Montgomery, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Kaye Longardner. There will be a visitation from 3-7 pm Sunday, July 15, 2018 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana. According to his wishes cremation will take place following the visitation. According to Tom’s wishes memorial donations in his memory are requested towards the educational fund for his grandson Mason, to follow his Papa’s footsteps to become a diesel mechanic.