Thomas Earl Neudecker passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Born the son of Ralph and Louella Neudecker on July 27, 1927 (7-27-27, a date he enjoyed reciting), Tom was the fifth of seven children, all growing up in Centralia, Illinois. He served his country in the U.S. Navy V-5 Program. After WWII, Tom attended Rolla School of Mines and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. As a Petroleum Geologist, he began his career with WC McBride in St. Louis. In 1956, he moved to Owensboro with Felmont Oil. Together with Jim Bredar, the two formed TENJAB Oil and Gas. Professionally, he was a member of the Kentucky Oil and Gas Association, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists.
Tom was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church serving on the Vestry and as a leader of the youth group. As a competitive squash player, in his younger years, he won the City Championship twice. Tom had a great sense of humor, was an avid, accomplished, and aggressive bridge player, delighted all with his gourmet cooking, traveled the world with his family, and enjoyed spending time in his woodworking shop. Always hungry for knowledge and eager to learn, Tom was a member of the Investigators Club and being a voracious reader, was proud to serve as a trustee and president of the Daviess County Library Board. He also served on the board of the Family “Y” and was one of the original property holders in the development of the Riverpark Center.
In addition to his parents and siblings, Mr. Neudecker was preceded in death by his son, Tom Jr., infant granddaughter, Sarah Rosenberg, and son-in-law, Tim Redfern.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 71 years, JoAnn Neudecker; daughter, Kathi Redfern of Owensboro and her sons, Nick Redfern (Whitney) and their boys, Braedon and Blaine and Taylor Redfern (Christy) and their son, Cooper and daughter, Hayden; son, Stephen Neudecker and wife Karen of San Diego and their children, Austin Neudecker (Connie) and Sierra Lemke (Tom) and their daughter, Arlo; daughter, Laura Rosenberg and husband Harvey of Ocean Pines, Maryland and their children, Jack and Anna; grandson, Tom Neudecker III (Kate) of Milwaukee and their boys Ian and Ben.
Services for Thomas Neudecker will be noon Wednesday, May 8 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory where visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Private interment with military honors will be at Owensboro Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Daviess Co. Public Library Foundation, 2020 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY 42301 or Boulware Mission Inc. 609 Wing Ave. Owensboro, KY 42303.
Memories and condolences for the family of Thomas Neudecker may be shared at www.glenncares.com