Thomas Edward Benbrook

87, of Indianapolis, departed this life at his home on Monday, November 8, 2021. Tom was born July 21, 1934 in New Albany, Indiana to the late James Ezekiel and Lucille Florence (Francis) Benbrook. He enjoyed his childhood in southern Indiana and was always true to his roots. Tom briefly served his country in the United States Army and then earned his degree from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Tom loved enriching the lives of youth as a high school science teacher and coach. He had taught in Michigan, Goshen, Indiana, Culver, Indiana, Akron, Indiana and Paoli, Indiana. He was a dedicated basketball and baseball coach. After teaching and coaching for a number of years, Tom entered in to the insurance and finance industry working mainly for Farm Bureau Insurance and Colonial Life until retiring.

Tom was a kind and gentle soul who loved sports of all kinds. He was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan and enjoyed watching college basketball and football. During his lifetime he enjoyed golfing, watching and talking about sports, spending time with his family, and ‘holding court’ at The Blend Cigar Bar on 82nd street. He was very involved in leadership of the Indianapolis BGSU Alumni. Tom was happiest through making lasting memories with his loving family and friends.

Tom is preceded in death by his infant son, Michael Allen Benbrook; brother, James Allen Benbrook and brother-in-law, Edward Bertrand.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Janet F. (Cooke) Benbrook; his devoted children, Kim (Randy) Hove, Tom (Sharon) Benbrook, and Gil (Scott Harris) Benbrook; grateful grandchildren, Caitlin (Alex) Varady, Anna Benbrook and Ryan (Maggie) Hove; beloved great-grandchildren, Ruby and Max Varady; dear sisters, Betty Bertrand, Bonnie Wilcox and Barbara (Don) Davisson as well as a host of old friends and grateful students.

A Memorial Service for Tom will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 11th at Leppert Mortuary-Nora Chapel. Visitation will follow services until 5:00 pm

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name are suggested to Bowling Green University’s Gilbert & Lottie Cooke Memorial Scholarship Fund: BGSU Foundation - 1851 North Research Drive, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403 or to Heritage Hospice - 7215 E 21st St Ste A, Indianapolis, IN 46219