In loving memory of

Stewart Douglass Tompkins
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969

Stewart Douglass Tompkins, 83, a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, passed away Saturday January, 23, 2010. Born July 21, 1926, he was the only son of Sherman H. and Cornelia (Crick) Tompkins.

Stew was always proud to be a graduate of School 60, Shortridge High School and Indiana University. He served as president of the following: Shortridge?s Corpse Club, I.U.?s Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Indianapolis Jaycees, Gyro Club of Indianapolis and a 48 year member, Indianapolis Athletic Club and on the Board of Directors for the Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee.

After I.U., Stew became a Coca Cola sales rep for Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. He then followed his father into the building materials field at Cinder Block, later known as American Block Company. He and life long friend, Dick Light, founded Architectural Brick. He was also with Spickelmeir Industries prior to founding and serving as president of Design & Build Corporation.

In 1975 he left the building industry to succeed Howard Wood as executive vice-president and later CEO of Crown Hill Cemetery, retiring in 1991. While at Crown Hill, he founded the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation serving as its first president. In 1991, by Governor Evan Bayh, he was given Sagamore of the Wabash.

Stew and his wife of 58 years, Charlene (Lammers) enjoyed tennis, bicycling, travel, Wawasee and Florida vacations; attending I.U., Purdue, Bengal?s and Colts football games, Pacer games and the Indianapolis 500.

Stew is survived by his wife Charlene; sisters, Jean Mahon and Barbara Tompkins; four children, Debra Webb (Vance), Douglas Tompkins (Carrie), David Tompkins and Susan Prange (Jeff); seven grandchildren, Adam, Kenny, Molly, Michael, Meg, Steven and Cade and three great grandchildren, Amber, Lindsey and Daniel.

Family and friends will gather from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27 at the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28 at Crown Hill?s Gothic Chapel. You are invited to visit www.leppertmortuary.com where you may sign the online guestbook, leave a personal memory of Stew or make a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association, Alzheimer?s Association or the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation.


Tributes

Sharon Stinnett wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"My thoughts and prayers are with you at this hard time."

Timothy Yale wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Charlene,My thoughts and prayers sare with you. Stew was certainly a brilliant and accomplished man. I appreciated his tenacity and abiliity to drive home a point! He must have been superb in the family business. His sense of humor and political awareness was remarkable.May God give you comfort in the happy memories you hold. Remember, Stew is physically gone; but, your relationship will be forever.Sincerely,Tim"

Gail Borinstein McCashland wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Charlene, I was so sorry to read about Stew's death in the paper this morning. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this time. My sincerest sympathies to all of the Tompkins. Fondly, Gail"

Dick and Jean Stackhouse wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We have so many fond memories over 55 years of our friendship. Accept our sincere sympathy at this time of great loss. We send our love to Char. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Love,Dick and Jean Stackhouse"

RON & AGGIE O'CONNELL FAMILY wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"DAVID, OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR MOM. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH..."

Mr & Mrs Elbert Bradshaw wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"To the family: Please accept our sympathy in the loss of Stew. We were in the Jaycees together and had greatbattles in the building material industry. He was a delightful competitor. He was a charter member of TheBreakfast optimist club of which I am still a member.A life well lived and he will be missed."

Rick Miller wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Char, my thoughts are with you and your family...am so sorry for your loss."

Glenda Dudley wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Deb and Char I was really saddened to hear of Stew's passing, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and you have my sincerest sympathy.Love Glenda"

Donna Fiene wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Hi Mrs. Tompkins, So sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Hopefully you remember me from National City in Nora. I miss chating with you at the bank. Take care and so sorry to hear about your loss. "

Mike Dooley wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Char Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time. As you well know Stew gave me my start at the cemetery which launced a wonderful career. He was a terrific boss and a good friend.SincerelyMike"

Nancy Samper wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"David,My warmest thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.I remember the stories you used to tell us about while you were growing up. It sounded like an awsome family. I know you will miss your father very much,Love,Nancy"

Bob Meeker wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Though I knew Stu was not in good shape, it was still a shock to read the news this week of his passing away. Have nothing but good memories of him regards his interest in his fraternity, I.U. and many other activitities. He was the main reason we signed up with Crown Hill for our final resting place. We also shared our interest of the Gyro Club and know he tried to stay active as long as possible with that group. He was "my type" of a really good guy. Sincerely, Bob and Mary Jane Meeker"

Elliott Yolles and Staff wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Our office was so saddened to read of Mr. Tompkins' passing. We always enjoyed seeing him in the office. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Our best to Mrs. Tompkins."

Susan Moody wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"David, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I wish I could hug you right now. Stay well and be strong. Love you, Susan"