Area Obituaries
Thomas Gail Heath, age 81 of Sumner, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born February 3, 1942, in Olney to Gail and Mary Lou (Combs) Heath. On October 10, 1965, Tom married Elaine Pauley in Landes. Together, Tom and Elaine built a wonderful family and made many memories over their 57 years of marriage. Tom graduated from Bridgeport Township High School in 1960, earned an associate degree from Vincennes University, and furthered his education at the Indiana College of Mortuary Service. He then decided at a young age to turn back to his passion of farming. Tom was a worker and truly enjoyed turning the earth and progress in watching his crops grow. He was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church of Bridgeport, a 50-year Mason, served on the Lawrence County Board and the Red Hill School Board, and received the American Farmer Degree in FFA as a high school student. Tom is survived by: his wife of 57 years- Elaine Heath of Sumner; two sons- Mark Heath of Sumner and Neil Heath and his wife Beth of Bridgeport; seven grandchildren- Haylie Wheeler and husband Erik, Hannah Lynch and wife Ashley, Taylor Heath and husband Andrew Banks, Emma Lytle and husband Steele, Zac Heath, AshLynn Heath, and Tess Heath; two great-grandchildren- Jaxson and Colt Lynch; and his nieces and nephews. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Funeral services will be at the funeral home Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. Burial in Petty Cemetery will follow services. Memorial contributions can be made in honor and memory of Tom to the United Methodist Church of Bridgeport or to the FFA Official Dress Scholarship. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
