Thomas "Tom" Emery Whiteside

Thomas “Tom” Emery Whiteside, born on September 14th, 1941, in English, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 6th, 2025, at the age of 83. A long-time resident of Clarksville, Indiana, Thomas led a life marked by dedication to his work, family, and community.

Tom was a member of the New Albany High School Class of 1960. During his senior year he moved to Greenwood, Indiana and graduated from Greenwood High School. Shortly after, he served his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964, where he was proudly recognized for his service as a firefighter during the Vietnam War. Tom was stationed at DaNang Air Force Base from 1963-1964. Toms patriotism continued throughout his life. He was proud to be a part of the Bluegrass Honor Flight in Washington, D.C.  on June 2, 2022.

Upon returning to civilian life, Tom embarked on a distinguished career in fire protection. He began working with ICI in Charlestown, where he matured to the role of Captain of the Fire Protection Department. Tom was notably the last employee to depart the plant property on its closing day. Following his brief retirement, which lasted only a weekend, he joined Brown Forman in Louisville, Kentucky, continuing his passion for fire protection until his final retirement. Tom was a proud Green Bay Packers fan. He had such great pride in the team he became a team shareholder.

Tom shared an unwavering bond with his beloved wife, Barbara, who he met during their high school years. High school sweethearts, they wed on January 21, 1962. This month would have marked their 63rd wedding anniversary.

He will be dearly missed by his loving family: wife Barbara Whiteside of Clarksville, IN; daughter Laura Roberts; daughter Jeanne Stafford and her husband Michael; brother Steve Whiteside and his wife Pat and his sister, Debi Meppiel and her husband Bud. His legacy extends to his cherished grandchildren:, Curry Jenkins and his wife Carissa, Torin Jenkins and his wife Laura, Charlotte Stafford and her partner Chris, Aubrey Craven and her husband Preston and  Gwynn Jenkins. Tom also leaves his great-grandchild Benjamin Jenkins to cherish his memory. His constant companions, Momma Cat and Bo the Cat, will also sorely miss his gentle presence.

Thom was preceded in death by his parents, Gray and Doris Whiteside, and his siblings, David Whiteside, Jerry Whiteside, Elizabeth Bell, and Donald Whiteside.

A visitation will be held at Garr Funeral Home (7806 Highway 311, Sellersburg, Indiana 47172), on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Military honors will be held at 5:00 pm at the funeral home. Tom will be interred at New Albany National Cemetery in New Albany, Indiana.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Garr Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations can be made to Honor Flight Bluegrass (Attention: Treasurer
PO Box 991364 Louisville, KY 40269-1364).

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