Thomas J. “Tom” Rupert, 81, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023 surrounded by his children. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tom was the son of the late Neal and Phyllis Rupert. He earned his Bachelors Degree from Indiana University. Tom owned and operated TJ Rupert Painting for over 30 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Van Wert, Ohio. Tom enjoyed playing golf, listening to Glenn Miller and Big Band Music, creating masterful shore birds and decoy’s out of wood. Tom and his wife enjoyed vacationing in Alabama on the Gulf. Surviving are his children, Laura (Chris) Landrigan, Ruth Ann (Bruce) Dowler, Matthew (Kandice) Rupert, Kelly (Todd) Roth; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister, Cheri Mattox; along with several nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Rupert. Service is 10:30 am, Saturday, July 22, 2023 at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street, with calling from 9 am until the service. Private Family Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Glenn Miller Birthplace Society, 122 W. Clark Street, Clarinda, IA 51632 or First Baptist Church, 13887 Jennings Road Van Wert, OH 45891.