Thomas Michael Hines, 85, of Elkhart, IN passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, December 26, 2025.

Tom was born on November 8, 1940 in Ludlow Falls, OH to the late, Lewis Randall Hines and Gracie (Hicks) Hines. Tom married the love of his life, Cynthia (Janowczyk) Hines, on October 31, 1995 in Elkhart.

Tom is preceded in death by his brother, John Hines and sisters, Elizabeth Hines and Margaret Bell.

Tom is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cindy Hines of Elkhart; daughters, Tane (Drew) Smith of Springboro, OH, Lisa (Tracy Schidler) Morgan of Elkhart and son, Jadan Hines of Elkhart; granddaughter, Britaney Martin of Springboro, OH; great granddaughters, Abigail, Elise and Isabella; favorite great niece, Aria; brother-in-law, Raymond Lavins; several nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

Tom honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam serving 3 terms . After serving in the military, Tom was a tool and die engineer. Tom was responsible for bringing the pleated fabric industry into the RV and Van Conversion industry in Elkhart. Tom was an entrepreneur looking to fill a need in his community. He founded Specialty Window Coverings in the 1980s. Tom won "Vendor of the Year" for several years at Newmar and Gulfstream.

Tom was a treasurer and secretary with the DAV for 15 years. He was a member of the American Legion 405 in Bristol, Goshen Moose 388, VFW 122 in Osceola and Elks Lodge 425.

Tom was also a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elkhart and the Knights of Columbus.

He was also a member and treasurer of the DAV for many years as well as a member of Elkhart Veteran Honor Guard.

Tom enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing with his son, Jadan and hunting and the occasional golf game. He loved to travel with his wife and family and packing up the RV to  see the country. Tom was an avid Ohio State and Michigan football fan except when they were playing each other!

Tom was a dad to everyone. He was an example of hard work and innovation.

Tom was charismatic and caring, making sure everyone knew they were loved.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm with the Elkhart Honor Guard performing a pass and review at 5:00 pm and a rosary to be prayed at 5:30 pm. The Indiana Patriot Guard will be coordinating flag detail during the visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Tom at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 with Fr. Sam Anderson officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be performed by the  U.S. Navy and Elkhart Honor Guard at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Elkhart immediately after the Mass.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Concord Fire Department for their assistance to Tom's family.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.