Tomkins "Tom" Barnhart

Tomkins Barnhart, 77, of Bremen passed away on March 3, 2009 at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at Salem United Methodist Church in Bremen on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Kevin Miller officiating.

Tomkins "Tom" Barnhart was born in South Bend, IN on June 5, 1931. His father, Tomkins Eugene Barnhart died when he was sic. His mother, Wilma Feaser Barnhart owned the Feaser Coal Company and died February 13, 1984. He was also preceded in death by sisters Catherine Jean Goss and Mable Jane Wilson (Gene). He is survived by his wife Patricia Ready Barnhart and children Dr. Kevin Ward (Karen), Gregory Allen (Judy), Lynn Catherine Burlington, Julie Ann Bowling (James), Daniel Scott (Rose), and his step-children Jon Ready (Sue), Kathleen Reierson and Janey Ann Green (Don) and 12 grandchildren.

Tomkins graduated from Riley High School in 1949, he attended Purdue University then transferred and graduated from Ball State University in 1953. He taught school in Fort Wayne and South Bend, IN following a Master's Degree from Indiana University. He was an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI. He attended U. of Michigan and majored in mathematics and math education. In 1962 he became Principal in Glen Ellyn, IL, he also taught classes for teachers on the "new math." In 1964 he became Editorial Director of Mathematics for Harper Row in Evanston, IL, later be became Editorial Dept. Chairman of Mathematics for Silver Burdett Publishers where he lived in Morristown, NJ along with his family. Due to his family needs he returned to Glen Ellyn, IL and accepted a position as Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services at Berkley, IL. He also accepted a position as an author on a team writing elementary mathematics textbooks for Silver Burdett. For the next sixteen years he served as a School Administrator and as an author in several mathematics series.

After twenty-eight years Tomkins divorced from his first wife and moved to South Bend to assist his mother. He joined Parents Without Partners where he met and married Patricia Ready. They were married at Salem United Methodist Church in Bremen, IN on November 26, 1982. Both are active in their Sunday School and in church functions. Tomkins accepted a position in the fall of 1984 as Sales Representative for the George Cram Company of Indianapolis, IN. He enjoyed calling on schools where he renewed friendships with many who attended Ball State and IU. He retired from sales in Northern Indiana in 1991 after he and Pat bought a winter home in Sun City, AZ. Tomkins was an active member of the Bremen Kiwanis for many years. After many years of having homes in two states he enjoyed being back in Bremen, IN and having one home and being closer to family and friends.

After seven years of dialysis and heart problems he joined the Lord.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church or Hospice of Marshall County.