Evansville, IN – Thomas Edward Pfender, 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 3, 2020. Tom was born in Evansville, Indiana on June 19, 1937 to the late Elmer and Mary Anne (Lindenschmidt) Pfender. He was married to the love of his life, Grace Pfender, for 52 years. Tom was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. At the young age of 21, he began working in the metal fabricating business with his father. They later incorporated the business and he expanded Creative Craftsmen, Inc. into the successful business it is today. He enjoyed traveling, especially cruises with his wife. He and his wife also enjoyed ballroom dancing. He was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and a Hadi Shriner. Tom is survived by his daughters, Kristi Banks (Russell) and Melody Waggoner (Matt); his stepsons, Bill Smith (Elvie) and Keith Smith (Rita); stepdaughters, Phyllis Lehman, Lauranell Spece (Tom); grandchildren: Lori Baehl (Mike), Jessica Vowells, Debbie Cardwell, Julie Tilsworth (Todd),, Heatherly Hite (Jenny Rattray), Joshua Smith, Priscilla Lakin, Shalonda Newcomb Perkins (John), Zachary Thomas Waggoner (Randy Lunsford), JP Newcomb, Jacob Waggoner, Hannah Grace Newcomb, Kaelie McCarty (Presley), Madeline Newcomb; great grand-children, Shelbi and Seth (Jessica) Brown, McKenna Stahl, Madison Cardwell, Autumn, Avery and Ashtyn Tilsworth, Ethan, Izzy and Katie Smith, Aubrey, Gavin, Maddox and Luke Lakin, Declan Thomas and Quade Rattray, Ledger and Stella Perkins, Ayva Grace Newcomb Elliot; brother, Steve Pfender (Nancy); sisters, Carol Jernigan (Jerry) and Mary McMurty; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Grace and loving daughter in law, Vicki Smith. A celebration of life is tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2020, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on
Washington Avenue in Evansville, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of his favorite charities: Heifer International, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, or to your favorite charity.
Brent Jernigan says
Tom is loved and missed, and will long be remembered. The thing I loved most about him was his sense of excitement and positive glee every single time he learned something new. It struck me when I was a small child, and he retained these qualities as long as I knew him. I’ll miss seeing that glint in his eye.
Tom Prater 526 summit pointe dr Somerset ky 42503 says
Our prayers go out to you guys,your dad was so nice and always welcomed us with a warm smile some of the best memories I had as a youth was at your mom and dads house the fun times we had I’ll always remember he was the greatest and had the best smile.Thanks for the opportunity to leave a little note he was the best.God bless Tom Prater
Laura Sullivan says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Lois Waggoner says
My thoughts and prayers are with all family members.
He was a very sweet man and treated everyone special.
I feel privileged to have known him.
He will be greatly missed by many.
Lois Waggoner
Dorothy M Linville says
I am so sorry about uncle Tom, but we know that he is in a better place and is no longer suffering and is reunited with his precious wife aunt Grace. He is so loved and we will forever miss him. His niece (Dottie) Dorothy M Linville, sister in law Emma L Linville and family. Rest in Peace uncle Tom!! 🙏🙏❤
Lisa Vail Lowery says
I’m so sorry for your loss. God be with this family. Amen
Lauranell Spece says
Trying to find the right words to say how I felt about my Dad, and how much he will be missed has not been easy. Some would say he was my step dad. I’ve never liked that phrase. He was my Dad in every sense of the word. He was ALWAYS there for me since he came into my life. He was the man I looked up too. I love and miss him and the comfort I have now, is he is with my Mom whom he loved so much. I miss you Tom. My real Dad.
Lauranell Spece says
Finding the right words to say how much I loved and will miss my Dad, Tom is not easy. Some would say he was my stepdad. I’ve never cared for that word because he was my real Dad in every sense of the word. He was ALWAYS there for me. I will miss him so much but my comfort is knowing I have two more Beautiful sisters. And that he is now dancing in heaven with my Mom whom he loved and missed so much. I love you Mom and Dad.