< back
In Memory Of
Thomas A. "Doc" Petry
06/30/1942 - 12/07/2011

Thomas A. Thomas A. Petry, age 69, of Bloomington, IN passed away Wednesday December 7, 2011 at his residence. Born June 30, 1942 in Gary, IN, he was the son of the late Donald W. and Margaret (Gardner) Petry. He was a 1960 graduate of University High School and received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Indiana University. Tom was married to Beverly (Thompson) on March 25, 1967. He was a member of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church where he served as treasurer and elder for many years. Tom taught at Central Junior High and Bloomington South for 38 years, retiring in 2004. Also, he served as athletic trainer and received the Indiana Athletic Trainer of the year in 1994. Tom was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved the Lord, family, and friends. Everyone knew him for his immaculate lawn, mild mannerisms, and his dry sense of humor. Many students, athletes, co-workers, church family and friends felt his influence over the years. He maintained a positive, persevering spirit to the end. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Beverly his daughter, Amy Lanham (Jason) of Bloomington, two grandsons, Joshua and Austin, and his sister Patricia (Bill) Brownlow of Gaithersburg, MD. Friends may call from 11:00-1:30 Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with services beginning at 1:30pm with Tom Ellsworth officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Gilead Cemetery. The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third St. Bloomington, IN 47401 is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be given to Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, IU Health Hospice, National Parkinson Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Comment Script

Guestbook - sign the guestbook

I too was one of his first students at Central Junior High. He was my first order of business many mornings after basketball practice to treat sore knees.
In class on of his favorite sayings I've kept in mind all these years. When someone was late to class, he'd say "better late than never, better still never late. Well as you can see I'm very late in learning of his passing. I'm saddened that he's gone, but joyful I knew him. May God bless his family, and let hime rest in his arms.
Bruce
Bruce Galyan - signed on: 04/13/2012
I was in one of Mr. Petry's first classes at Central Jr. High in 1966-67. He was a good teacher, and a kind man. We did kid him a lot when he got married, but we always razzed the teachers we liked the best.

Sorry that he has passed and that you will miss him, but love is stronger than death. Whatever he taught us, as a teacher, as a parent, as a friend, is still with us.
Becky Burchfield - signed on: 12/20/2011
Dear Bev and Amy,
I am so sorry to learn of Tom's homegoing. I remember listening to him when I first came to Sherwood Oaks and being struck with his sincere love for Jesus. It was evident your family had a deep love for each other, too. I am praying that you will be given peace and comfort from our Lord.
Tammy Starbuck - signed on: 12/15/2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful, gentle, kind and skilled teacher who served as a excellent role model over many years for students and athletes alike. He touched many lives!
caitilin kelly - signed on: 12/11/2011
Dear Bev and Amy,
I never got to thank you for leading me to believe in Christian Families who walked and talked their faith.
Tom was the best Teacher I ever had. Since I joined the Navy, so many times have I told the story about my Geometry and Algebra 2 High School Math Teacher who used his overhead projector to show us how to do new math problems. And if we didn't grasp everything he tried to teach us, he always made himself accessible so we could get a bit more of his time so he could be sure we understand it the best we could. Oh, I can't forget the ruler if he caught you sleeping!
I know that Tom is truly missed by all of us here that he has left behind, though none of us will miss him as much as your family will. I know Tom is watching over you and smiling, knowing that he is able to watch all of you and doesn't have to miss anything as he awaits your Family Reunion in Heaven.
If you ever need anything, please let me know.
With Love in Christ,
Angela (Jackson/Canada) Downing
Angela (Jackson) Downing - signed on: 12/10/2011
Beverly, I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying God's peace for your family. Your husband was obviously a very special person to a lot of people -- may he be at rest after the long struggle of his illness -- and may you find peace in the knowledge you traveled this journey all the way with him.
Connie Young Kitchen, Mabel's daughter
Connie Young Kitchen - signed on: 12/10/2011
Dear Bev and Amy,
Your family was the first Christian Family I ever had the opportunity to spend time with in their home when you opened your doors to me when Mom and Jeff were out of Indiana for a week, many years ago. I never got to thank you for leading me to believe in Christian Families who walked and talked their faith.
Tom was the best Teacher I ever had. Since I joined the Navy, so many times have I told the story about my Geometry and Algebra 2 High School Math Teacher who used his overhead projector to show us how to do new math problems. And if we didn't grasp everything he tried to teach us, he always made himself accessible so we could get a bit more of his time so he could be sure we understand it the best we could. Oh, I can't forget the ruler if he caught you sleeping!
I know that Tom is truly missed by all of us here that he has left behind, though none of us will miss him as much as your family will. I know Tom is watching over you and smiling, knowing that he is able to watch all of you and doesn't have to miss anything as he awaits your Family Reunion in Heaven.
If you ever need anything, please let me know.
With Love in Christ,
Angela (Jackson/Canada) Downing
Angela (Jackson) Downing - signed on: 12/10/2011
Bev,Amy & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I know Tom went through so much but he is at rest now in a wonderful place. it sounds as if he touched many lives. It was a pleasure to help take care of him at the hospital.
Dan and Tina Arnold - signed on: 12/10/2011
We will never forget the kindness of Tom and your family while we were in Bloomington. Our hearts and prayers go out for you and your family.
Bob and Cynthia Smith - signed on: 12/10/2011
Beverly & family,
you have our love and sympathy during this time of sorrow. Our memories of Tom and his family go back a long time. We will keep you in our prayers. Dot & Jerry
Dot & Jerry Spore - signed on: 12/10/2011
We are so sorry to hear about Tom. I always appreciated his humblness, smile and pleasant attitude. We will not be able to be at the Memorial Service today but we are thinking of you and praying for you and your family. Janet
Tony and Janet Flynn - signed on: 12/10/2011
I'm so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I have so many fond memories of Tom in the training room at Bloomington High School and in the classroom! We have lost a wounderful person but one that has left a very positive lasting impression on so many people!! He will be missed.

Jeff Minett
Placida, FL
Jeff Minett - signed on: 12/09/2011
Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a real class act and always had a smile. I have fond memories of him as our athletic trainer at BHS South during the heydays of our undefeated football teams of the late 60's and early 70's. Tom Jackson-class of 71
Tom Jackson - signed on: 12/09/2011
Mr.Petry was my calculus teacher at South in 2001. He was a good teacher who prepared his students well for college. His sense of humor made class more interesting and he was always very fair with his exams and grading. He just wanted his students to do well. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Holly McCollough - signed on: 12/09/2011
Dear Bev and Amy,

Memories are precious. We have many of you all. Sorry we can't be with you at this time. Our love to you.

Keith and Sharon Sowder
Keith & Sharon Sowder - signed on: 12/09/2011
We are so sorry to hear about Tom. We have been friends since 1964. He was a very nice and caring person. We considered him a "mentor" in our lives. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May the Peace and Love of God bless him and his family.

Sherry and Dennis Williamson
Bloomington
Dennis & Sherry Williamson - signed on: 12/09/2011
Mr. Petry was my teacher at Central Jr. High. He was the best. He was such a positive and motivating person. Sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person. RIP Mr. Petry. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Teresa Garland Blevins
Teresa Garland Blevins - signed on: 12/09/2011
I'm saddened to read of the passing of Mr. Petry. "Doc" had a tremendous positive influence on myself and the hundreds of BHS students and athletes he came in contact with through his many years as an educater and trainer at the school. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Ike Mefford
BHS Class of 1967
Ike Mefford - signed on: 12/09/2011
So sorry to learn of Tom's passing to meet his Lord, who he loved so much. I think of you, Bev, and Tom with much affection. He was a great man. My prayers are with you at this sad time.

Jeannie Hollingshead
Jeannie Hollingshead - signed on: 12/09/2011
Bev and Amy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful person and role model. He leaves his outstanding marks on many who crossed his path over the years. Find comfort in knowing he is in a better place wtih no more suffering. I love all of you. Cheryl combs
Cheryl Combs - signed on: 12/09/2011
Bev, Amy & Jason

I am so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a very powerful influence in my life for many years. His love for his family & God was visible every day. Heaven now has another wise teacher.

George
George Leonard - signed on: 12/09/2011
I'm so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Words are never adequate at times like these, but I want to express my condolences, and if I may, express the sympathy of the University High School Class of 1960. Tom was the epitome of "a nice guy." His wry smile and tendency w to tease a little will be remembered by his classmates and many of their children whom Doc taught.

May God bless,
Dave Campaigne - Tampa
Dave Campaigne - signed on: 12/09/2011
Tom Petry was a great man. You might have known him through church, with his quiet wisdom. You also might have known him, as hundreds did, from teaching the tough maths at BHSS. I was blessed, and knew him from both. His puns, his patience, his radio announcer voice, he made Calculus understandable, as well as the love and grace of God. He made an impact on my life, and will never be forgotten.
Marc Muehling - signed on: 12/09/2011
Our loss is Heaven's gain. Thinking of Bev and family at this time of sorrow.
Edie McNeely Henderson - signed on: 12/09/2011
So sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. He Was a first cousin with whom we spent many a Sunday afternoon in Lowell, Indiana with our grandparents Dr. Franklin & Elva Petry.
Michael L Petry - signed on: 12/09/2011
Our hearts are sad we are not able to give you our support in person at this time. We know you are never ready to let those we love most join the Lord before us.

We give Tom great credit for our relationship with Jesus,each other and our current status as full time missionaries. He was always available when we asked for help. His council always correct. We smile at the thought of Tom walking in heaven on the streets of gold that lead him to his reward.

Eternal Blessings
Jeff & Gloria Canada
Jeff & Gloria Canada - signed on: 12/09/2011
I met Tom in about 1958. He used to fly model airplanes and my brothers and I hung around the flying field. We were younger and I guess he could have just chased us off but he didn't. He even took a chance and let us fly one of his planes! I have always remembered and appreciated that. I also took over his HT paper route when he gave it up. I was in Bloomington a few weeks ago and Tom's name even came up in conversation with my brother. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Mike Wulf Escondido, CA
Mike Wulf - signed on: 12/09/2011


Name
E-mail (Will not appear online)
Comment
To prevent automated Bots form spamming, please enter the text you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.



© 2009 The Funeral Chapel - Powell • Deckard
Website Design by Mediaworks Advertising Agency - Bloomington, IN