Thomas K Balyeat

Thomas K. Balyeat, 78, of Granger, formerly of Elkhart, died on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Woodland Manor Nursing Home in Elkhart after a brief illness.

Tom was born November 1, 1945, in Elkhart to the late Elmer and Phyllis (Hart) Balyeat.  He was also preceded in death by a son, Kelly Balyeat and a daughter, Kristin Claybrook.

He married Karen J. Atwater on February 17, 1980, in Las Vegas.  Karen died on February 22, 1996.  He then married Sandra M. Roberts on May 21, 2000.  She survives along with sons: Jeffrey R. (Jennifer) Balyeat of Goshen, Casey Balyeat of CO, Josh (Jamie) Balyeat of Elkhart, Chase (Jen) Booth, Neal (Elizabeth) Booth and daughters, Kim Myers of Indianapolis, Heather (Robert) Weber, Holly Dexter and Heidi Booth.  Tom is also survived by twelve grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Tom retired from the Elkhart Police Department after a 40-year career, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief at one point.  He enjoyed golf and was a member of Bent Oak Golf Club where he played as often as he could.  Tom was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as a door gunner in Viet Nam.  He enjoyed dancing at the Brookdale Club and playing Euchre with his friends.  He was also a member of the F.O.P. Lodge #52 and enjoyed Notre Dame football and Indiana University basketball.

Graveside services will be held at the Faith Mausoleum at Rice Cemetery on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 1:00 PM.  Chaplain Jim Bontrager with the Elkhart Police Department will officiate and military honors will be rendered by the Elkhart Veteran Honor Guard as well as active-duty soldiers with the United States Army.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Tom may be made to Cancer Resources for Elkhart County 23971 US-33 Elkhart, IN 46517.

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