Thomas "Tom" Sater

Thomas S. Sater, 86, of Sullivan and formerly of Bloomington, passed away on Friday, Sept. 28th at Sullivan County Community Hospital in Sullivan, his loving family at his side. He was born on Oct. 15, 1925 in Indianapolis the son of Schyler and Margaret (Godsey) Sater and was a 1943 graduate of Stinesville High School, having grown up in Washington Township. Upon graduation from high school, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served as a Cook's Mate 1st Class until discharged in 1947. He then began a lifelong career working in the building trades. Prior to his retirement in 1990 as manager of Black Lumber Co. in Sullivan, he worked as a plasterer for numerous contractors and for the former Superior Lumber and Building Supply. Along with working in the lumber business, he enjoyed the challenge of restoring older homes and refinishing furniture, making new furniture and bringing old things back to life. His eye for accuracy and completeness would show through in his projects. Although Tom always worked hard, he also had a passion for the outdoors. It was said more than once he would rather be fishing or hunting than almost anything else. He looked forward to an annual fishing trip to Canada with his fishing buddies where he would be the "Camp Chef", to deer season and the elusive trophy buck, the great mushroom find or perhaps the walk in the woods. He held the distinct honor of being interviewed by Outdoor Life Magazine back in the 1970's. Another favorite pastime of Tom's was gardening. He enjoyed many hours of producing vegetables for canning, harvesting berries, persimmons and nuts for sharing with others and the beauty of his flowers. How proud he was to be named "Gardener of the Year" by the Sullivan Garden Club for his accomplishments. Above all, his greatest passion was his wife and family. As a young sailor home on leave, he met the love of his life, Genevieve Bennett. They were married on March 17, 1946 and spent 66 wonderful years together raising four sons, not an easy task as many know. He is survived by his wife, Genevieve L. (Bennett) Sater, his sons; Thomas Michael (Erin) Sater of Sullivan, C. Steven (Carol Persinger) Sater of Clinton, IN, Richard W. (Terri) Sater of Sullivan and Arthur L. (Sharron) Sater of Bloomington, seven grandchildren; Bradley (Stephanie) Sater, Andrea (Andy) Miller, Leah (Aaron) Shapuras, Ryan Sater, Jessica Sater, Tori Sater and Kevin Sater, step-granddaughter Casey Beavers and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Leona Brock of Bloomington and Bonnie (Harold) Owens of Hernando, Fl, and two brothers, Charles (Marilyn) Sater and Milton (Sandra) Sater, all of Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John Sater and two sisters, Dorothy Ray and Cynthia Gillaspy. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church of Sullivan with Rev.'s Dale Wise and David Cox officiating. Burial will be at Center Ridge Cemetery in Sullivan. Friends may call at Allen Funeral Home in Bloomington on Monday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.

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Thomas "Tom" Sater

October 15, 1925 - September 28, 2012