Tom Dean Ott, 82, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Bickford of Carmel in Carmel, Indiana.

Tom was born October 19, 1943, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Delbert Ott and Joy (Books) Butler. Joy later married Donald Butler, who helped raise Tom. All three preceded him in death, along with his beloved wife of 56 years, Joyce (Howes) Ott, who passed away on March 13, 2022.

Tom was also preceded in death by his brother, Jack Ott; his brothers-in-law, Gregg Pletcher and Ralph Monroe “Monty” Layne II, both of whom were married to his sister-in-law Judy Pletcher; and his father- and mother-in-law, Curtis and Polly Howes, who welcomed him into heaven along with Joyce.

Tom was someone who truly modeled love through action. Even when dementia took most of his words and memory, his love never failed—it always remained.

He had a huge heart, never met a stranger, and had a natural way of making people feel welcome. Joyce often joked that Tom ran into someone he knew everywhere they went—even once on the steps of the Washington Monument during their honeymoon.

Tom was a proud lifelong Michiana resident who loved the outdoors. Whether he was fishing, hunting, gardening, landscaping, or whistling to the birds, he felt most at home outside. One of his daughter’s earliest memories was Tom gently showing her a nest of newly hatched birds and teaching her to admire them without touching. He modeled a deep respect for creation and for all living things.

Animals seemed to find their way to Tom, and he rarely turned one away. Over the years he rescued and raised countless animals—baby bunnies, raccoons, foxes, ducks, dogs, cats, and even ferrets—often caring for them until they were ready to return to the wild.

Tom was a talented athlete growing up, playing quarterback in football, pitching baseball, running track, and swimming. His love for sports continued throughout his life as he faithfully cheered for Notre Dame, Indiana University, and the Chicago Bears—especially during the incredible seasons of Lou Holtz, Bobby Knight, and the Super Bowl Shuffle. He was also a big fan of the Indy 500 and NASCAR and rarely missed a race.

Tom also proudly served in the United States Army Reserves. He was deeply proud to be an American, loved wearing the American flag, and was a steadfast supporter of all things USA.

For more than 50 years, Tom worked as a skilled Tool and Die craftsman. He took enormous pride in his work and in doing things the right way. A natural mechanic and craftsman, he loved to tinker and fix things—especially his beloved 1973 red Ford F-250 truck, affectionately known as “Big Red,” which he proudly kept running for decades.

Tom also had a remarkable sense of humor. Long before memes or smartphones, he carried jokes in his wallet so he’d always have one ready to share. His laughter and quick wit stayed with him throughout his life and could brighten any room.

Those who knew Tom knew they could count on him. During the Blizzard of 1978, when families on Kirkland Drive in Bristol, Indiana were snowed in, Tom walked miles into town pulling a sled so he could bring groceries home—not just for his own family, but for several neighbors as well. When the St. Joseph River flooded their home not once but twice, Tom quietly rolled up his sleeves and renovated the house himself. Helping others wasn’t something he talked about—it was simply how he lived.

Tom believed deeply in taking care of what you had and treating others with kindness. Shoes came off at the door, feet stayed off the coffee table, and people were always greeted with warmth and respect.

He loved good food and had a true enthusiasm for sweets—sugar cookies, ice cream, doughnuts, Twizzlers, apple pie, and anything Joyce made. He also had the insight to create salty and sweet combinations, insisting popcorn was best enjoyed with chocolate fudge or a Hershey bar.

Family vacations were some of Tom’s greatest joys. He was a master packer when it came to loading the Elkhart RV for road trips. Many summers were spent traveling to Cedar Point, Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, family reunions in Kentucky, and all over Florida, with Tom happily driving mile after mile.

Tom was also the kind of dad who stayed up late on Christmas Eve assembling bicycles, pinball machines, and Barbie Dream Houses so his children—and later his grandchildren—could wake up to the magic of Christmas morning. To them, he truly was Santa.

Tom and Joyce rarely missed their children’s games, and Tom proudly continued that tradition with his grandchildren, attending as many of their events as possible to cheer them on.

Being “Papaw” was one of the greatest joys of Tom’s life. He never lost his playful spirit and loved creating fun memories and playing tricks on his grandchildren—feeding ducks, flying kites, bowling, playing pool, trips to Chuck E. Cheese, backyard pool time, rides in his truck, or simply cuddling up and sharing bacon-grease popcorn while watching a good movie. He often told the kids with a wink, “Make sure you come back and see me when I’m not home.”

Tom’s life was one of humble service. If someone needed help moving, fixing something, or shoveling snow, Tom was there. He even taught his grandchildren that when it snowed, you didn’t just shovel your own driveway—you shoveled a neighbor’s too.

Above all, Tom’s love for his family reflected a deeper faith. After the passing of his mother, Tom gave his life to Jesus Christ, wanting the assurance that he would one day spend eternity with the people he loved most. His quiet faith shaped the way he lived—serving others, loving unconditionally, and always offering help without hesitation.

Tom is survived by his son, Jeff (Abbi) Ott of Fishers, Indiana, and his daughter, Traci Warren of Carmel, Indiana. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Jack, Curt, Faith, and Cora. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Ott; his sister, Tammy (Butler) Tackett and her husband, Rod Tackett; his sister-in-law, Judy Pletcher; and many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends. He also leaves behind two beloved granddogs, Peanut and Paris.

Tom will be remembered for his generous heart, his humor, his unwavering devotion to family, and the countless quiet ways he served others. His life was a powerful example of kindness, humility, and love that will continue to live on through everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, Indiana. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or Brighton Hospice of Carmel, Indiana.