Thomas Joseph Engelking

Thomas “Tom” Engelking, 87, of Carmel, passed away on August 31, 2026. He was born on October 18, 1938, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late William and Leone (Fitzpatrick) Engelking. On November 17, 1962, he married Marge Engelking in Poseyville, Indiana. She was the love of his life, and they shared nearly 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Tom grew up on the south side of Indianapolis and played baseball and basketball at Sacred Heart High School. He had a brush with fame during his senior year in 1956 when his team faced Crispus Attucks, featuring the great Oscar Robertson. Oscar scored a state-record 62 points that night.. Tom loved telling the story that he had successfully guarded all four of Oscar’s teammates, holding them to a combined 14 points. “Unfortunately,” he would say with a smile, “my teammates couldn’t figure out how to stop the Big O.”

Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Butler University while attending night school, working full time, and raising a family. He spent more than 35 years with Eli Lilly and Company, beginning at just 18 years old as a bottle washer. Through hard work and determination, he advanced into a variety of roles, including Guest Relations Coordinator, Production Supervisor, and Training Coordinator. Tom found joy in the simple things that brought people together. He loved coaching his sons’ baseball teams, caring for the plants and flowers in his home and yard, preparing meals alongside his wife, and spending time with his two grandsons. His beautifully maintained yard earned several Yard of the Week awards in his Carmel neighborhood.

Many people considered Tom one of the kindest individuals they had ever known. He rarely spoke a harsh word to anyone—except, perhaps, to a few referees during his grandsons’ sporting events. A devoted sports fan, he especially loved following the Indiana Fever and rarely missed a game. He was also a deeply spiritual man whose lifelong inner journey shaped the way he lived and treated others. Tom’s greatest legacy was not found in his accomplishments, but in the kindness, humility, and quiet generosity he showed to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Tom is survived by his sons, David and Scott Engelking (Lara); and his grandsons, Zach (Ally) and Max (Mary). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marge; his daughter, Maria; his brothers, Bill and Jim; and his sister, MaryLou Spearing.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering at Leppert Mortuary, 900 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana 46032, on Saturday, September 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, 3737 Waldemere Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241.

Thoughts and memories may be shared with Tom’s family by visiting the Leppert Mortuary Website.