Thomas F. Bareford

Thomas F. Bareford, died October 18, 2025, from cancer. He was born on September 5, 1941, to Leonard J. Bareford and Mary Robertson Bareford. Tom graduated at the top of his class from Indiana State University in 1964, with a bachelor's degree in business. While at Indiana StateUniversity , Tom received the Blue Key award, a scholarship from the National Honor Society. Tom had a distinguished career of over 40 years in banking; he retired as first vice president senior lending officer of Chase Bank's Large Corporate Banking Group. Tom loved banking as well as serving clients and the community. More importantly, he loved working with colleagues and was admired for his leadership, mentoring, and his engaging personality.

Tom was a loyal alumnus of Indiana State University where he served for decades on the Indiana State University Foundation Board and in the leadership role as chair of the Board of Directors from 2017 - 2019. He was a member of the President's Society, Book and Torch Society, 1865 Society, Dale McKee Society, and received the foundation's March On! Philanthropy Award in recognition of his longstanding philanthropic support of his alma mater. Tom and his wife, Debbie, are best known at Indiana State University for co-founding, with classmate Michael Simmons, the Sycamore Tricycle Derby. After more than 60 years, the annual trike race remains one of the university's most well-known traditions.

Tom was also a passionate supporter of conservation of our natural lands. He served on the Indiana State Committee for Ducks Unlimited, and was an officer of the local Ducks Unlimited Chapter. He received a Distinguished Service Award and the Top Flight Award recognizing outstanding achievements for the organization.

Many other civic institutions benefited from Tom's contributions, including him serving as Secretary of Indiana Jaycees, an International Senator, Indianapolis Jaycee Officer, and Committee Chair for several Indianapolis committees. In addition, he was a member of Exhausted Roosters, and received the Jaycees Key Man, the highest honor awarded by a chapter for exceptional contributions and service. He was recognized by the United States Jaycees with the Richard E. Rowland Award and a Merit award. Tom was a Corporate Member of the White River Yacht Club and served on their Board of Directors and as the Finance Committee Chair. He was also a member of the Mystic Tie Lodge and the Scottish Rite for over 50 years.

Tom was a sports fan and actively contributed to Carmel sports as a Carmel Pups football coach. He also served on the Carmel Hockey Board of Directors, and was a coach of the Carmel Hockey Travel Team, and the Carmel High School Hockey Team.

Tom is survived by Debbie, his wife of 61 years, daughter, Karen J. Bareford, four granddaughters, Julie (Matt), Ryann, Meagan, and Delaney, and two great-grandchildren, Addalyn and Benjamin Newcomer. He was preceded in death by two children, Susan and Leonard Bareford, and a great granddaughter, Carolyn Newcomer.

Tom loved his family, his friends, and helping others. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and shooting competitively. He always had time for anyone in need. Tom was happiest sitting around a table with family, and friends, be it at home, at their lake house, or anywhere they gathered.

A funeral will be held on October 29, 2025 at Leppert Mortuary and Crematory on 86th Street in Indianapolis (viewing will begin at 11 am and the funeral will start at 1 pm). A celebration of Tom's life will also take place on October 29, 2025 at the White River Yacht Club at 5 pm to remember his incredible spirit, positive attitude, and love of life, family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Tom can be made to Shriners Hospital.