Thomas Mickles

Thomas Mickles, affectionately known as Tommie, was born May 4, 1928, to Kiser Mickles and Ella Blevins. He passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at the youthful age of 94. Tommie married Carmetha Summerset on September 7, 1969. To this union they added one son, Marcus. Tommie served our country in the United States Army from 1945 to 1948. He was stationed in France, Germany and Italy. Tommie enlisted at the age of 17, by forging his year of birth to 1927. While living in Chicago, Illinois, Tommie was an activist in the Civil Rights Movement. He was an assistant in nursing and occupational therapy, and worked specifically with those who were challenged with physical and mental disabilities. Later in life, Tommie moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to be with family. He was passionate about his community and its youth. He chaperoned bus trips to various colleges and worked at the Pontiac Youth Center. Tommie thrived on students’ accomplishments and wanted them to be successful. He was a mentor and father-figure to many, and he made it his goal to help kids down the right path. Tommie was also employed by the Urban League, Fort Wayne Chapter in various positions where he remained a member until his death. Tommie was a very generous man, frequently making contributions to St. Jude’s, AARP, and Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. He enjoyed playing bridge and was fond of poetry. Tommie was “with it” and very organized. He was well informed about modern technology and used his computer often. Tommie even had a smart phone. In addition to his parents, Tommie was preceded in death by his sisters, Lucy Frison, Josephine Mickles, Ann Rogers, and Mary Mickles; brothers, Fredrick Mickles, Herbert Mickles, and Sammy Mickles. Tommie is survived by his son, Marcus Mickles; a special cousin, Lucinda Blevins; bonus daughter, Barbara Williams; many nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Tommie's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com