Thomas Bugg

Thomas R. Bugg, of Chapman Lake, passed away at his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the age of 81. Born on July 23, 1941 in Niagara Falls, Canada, he was the son of Thomas D. and Eleanor (Crane) Bugg. Thomas graduated from Eastern High School in Greentown, IN in 1958, and attended Ball State University. On November 4, 1967, in Muncie, IN, he married Beth Geeting.

Throughout his professional career, Thomas worked for several radio stations throughout northeastern Indiana. He worked in sales for WAWC in Wawasee, WBTU and The Fort in Fort Wayne, and WTRC in Elkhart before becoming a station manager for the WARU station in Peru.

A faithful and devout man, Thomas was a member of Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church in Vero Beach, FL where Thomas and Beth lived for four years prior to moving to Chapman Lake. There, he started and led the church’s men’s group: Band of Brothers and was often referred to as the Brother In Charge or “BIC”. He also participated in the church’s prayer calling group where, every week, he called and prayed with everyone on the prayer list. Thomas continued to reach out weekly to the those he prayed with despite moving out of state. After settling down on Chapman Lake, he became a member of Winona Lake Community Church.

More personally, Thomas was a passionate sports fan who, in his younger years, played baseball, basketball, football, and track during high school. He was an avid Cubs fan, faithfully supported his favorite Purdue teams, and cheered on his favorite athletes: Emily and Erika Bugg. A member of the Marion Jaycees, he was awarded the esteemed Triple Award, was the ambassador of the Kosciusko County Chambers of Commerce, an officer of the North Webster Lions, awarded the Lion of the Year, and was the Master of Ceremonies for the North Webster Mermaid Festival. Most of all, Thomas was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his family.

Thomas will be remembered as a man with a big heart who Loved Big. Along with his wife of 55 years, Beth, Thomas is survived by son, Shannon (Kelly) Bugg; daughter, Lisa (Bob) Block; granddaughters, Emily and Erika Bugg and Erin O’Brien; sisters, Pam (Rod) Goodman and Judi (Claudia Pranke) Sherrill; brother, Alan (Tammy) Bugg; brother-in-law, David (Elaine) Geeting; special friends, Cork Troglen and Jake Porter; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Cyndy Dougan.

Family and friends may gather on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 10:00am until 12:00pm at Winona Lake Community Church, 902 College Ave, Winona Lake. A memorial service will immediately follow with the Reverend Rick Hurley presiding. Family and friends are all invited to a luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given to Winona Lake Community Church or to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, 1515 Provident Dr, Warsaw, IN 4658.