Thomas E. Agler

Thomas E. Agler, 90, of Berne, Indiana, passed away on July 4, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on January 16, 1930 in Van Wert Ohio, the son of the late H. Eugene Agler and the late Nora E. Gilliland. Tom was united in marriage to Kathleen J. Dubach on July 17, 1955 in Berne, Indiana. She preceded him in death on November 23, 2013.

Tom was a 1948 Van Wert High School graduate and enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving during peacetime.  While in the U.S. Navy Seabees, he earned a Surveyor Certificate. Tom put himself through Ball State Teacher's College earning a B.S. in Education and a Master's degree in Library Science and was a Theta Chi Fraternity charter member. He received a Lifeguard certification at the age of 42.

During his 51 year teaching career with the South Adams School system, he taught social studies, health/PE, math and English for grades K-12. He was a librarian, AV director for school plays and a driver's education instructor. He was a coach with the Hartford Center Gorillas and the Geneva Cardinals; where he coached basketball, cross country, volleyball, swimming and baseball.  Tom retired from teaching June 1, 1994. In addition to teaching, Tom held a number of summer jobs including Meshberger Bros. Stone Quarry and as a Columbus Mutual Life insurance agent.

Tom attended First United Methodist Church in Geneva, IN. He was a member of the Swiss Heritage Society, the Indiana State Teachers Association, the Civil War Trust Fund, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.  Tom was one of the teachers that successfully lobbied the Indiana State Assembly to guarantee year-round pay for teachers.

Tom loved history and wanted to share this passion with others.  Every family vacation was planned around historical sites. He was a key advocate in creating Adams County historical tours for students as well as Gettysburg/D.C./Williamsburg trips for South Adams, Adams Central and Bluffton students.

Tom REALLY loved basketball.  He enjoyed both Ohio State and IU. His 1957 Hartford team won sectional and has been featured at the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

In his free time, Tom loved fishing, hiking and mowing, mowing, and mowing.

Survivors include his son, Jeff Agler of Berne, IN; 3 daughters; Terri Agler of Berne, IN, Lisa Wrightsman of Indianapolis, IN, Beth (Rodney) Rudolph of Dumfries, VA; sister, Janet Hines of Van Wert, OH and six Grandchildren: Alicia A. Agler, Joanie Agler, Jason Agler, Zachary Wrightsman, Alex Wrightsman, and Bridgette Rudolph.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Patricia Spriggs; and a daughter-in-law, Jane Agler.

Due to Tom’s wishes there will be a private graveside service at a later time.

Friends will be received from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne.

The family requests those attending the visitation to wear a face mask.

Preferred memorials can be made to Adams County Council on Aging.