Dec. 23, 1956 - Nov. 29, 2009

MIDDLEBURY -- Timothy Joe "Tim" Estes, 52, of Middlebury, died at 11:02 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 29, 2009) in Elkhart General Hospital after suffering a heart attack at home.

He was born Dec. 23, 1956, in Sedalia, Mo., to Billie J. and Carolyn A. (Scott) Estes. He married Cindy L. Tobias on Feb. 14, 1981, in Elkhart. She died in 1995 in White Pigeon, Mich.

Surviving are his mother of Bristol; his fiancée, Debi L. Coody of Middlebury; two sons, Martin J. of Bristol and Michael E. of Middlebury; one stepdaughter, Ashley L. Coody of Elkhart; two sisters, Peggy C. (Terry) Wittman of Smithton, Mo., and Carolyn L. (Jim) Poss of Warner Robins, Ga.; and three grandchildren.

His father and a stepson, Adam Johnston, preceded him in death.

Mr. Estes was a lifelong area carpenter and construction worker, specializing in custom cabinetry and stairways. He was a 1976 graduate of Elkhart Central High School, where he wrestled and was involved in choir and theater. He also attended the Elkhart Area Career Center, where he developed his love for carpentry.

He was an avid outdoorsman who liked to camp, fish and hunt mushrooms. He enjoyed playing guitar and watching football. Mr. Estes was a U.S. Navy veteran serving off the coast of Spain as a fireman on a submarine tender in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Friends may call for two hours prior to the 6 p.m. Wednesday funeral service at Grace Baptist Church, 53980 C.R. 17, Bristol. Pastor Michael Quirey will officiate. Cremation will take place, with burial in Oakridge Cemetery, Bristol. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Timothy J. Estes Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home.