Thomas R. Devine, age 57, of Muncie, passed away at his home, Monday, January 9, 2012 with his loving family at his side. Tom was a loving, gentle spirit who was born May 17, 1954 in East Chicago, IN to Charles K. and Lillian (Bird) Devine. He graduated from Highland High School in 1972, and graduated from Purdue University in 1976 with a Bachelor''s Degree in Physical Education and Health. While at Purdue he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and held several office positions. He also played trumpet in the Purdue Marching Band.
Tom later graduated from Ball State University with a Masters of Arts and Education degree in 1982. He taught at Delta High School for 34 years from 1977 to 2011 in Physical Education, Health and Speech. Tom coached and motivated 58 Varsity Teams throughout his career at Delta in Swimming, Track and Field, Cross Country and Golf. As an inspirational leader he started the Delta Learn-to-Swim and Dive Programs in 1978 and founded the Delta Flyer''s Swim Team in 1979 which later became the Delaware Aquatic Club. In 2006, Tom was inducted into the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame. He received a total of 21 Conference, Sectional and District "Coach of the Year" Awards. Tom was also awarded 7 "Who''s Who Among America''s Teachers" Awards.
Tom was very humorous and loved to laugh and sing. He was a self taught guitarist and singer-song writer, composing much of his own music as well as recording several songs. He was a long term member and served as Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Muncie. Tom was also a devoted member of the church''s Praise Team.
He married the former Lesley Corbin on August 14, 1976 in Anderson, IN and she survives him, as well as his mother, Lillian, of Sun City Center, FL; daughters, Adrienne Devine-Lutz (husband John) of Austin, TX, Lauren Hager (husband Scott) of McCordsville, IN and Paige Devine, of West Lafayette, IN; brother, Charles "Chuck" Devine of Crown Point, IN; grandson, John Thomas Lutz; several nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Charles, and sister, Jean Ann Grover.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Muncie, 1400 West Riverside Avenue, Muncie, IN 47303 with Rev. Dr. Ronald Naylor officiating. Visitation will be Friday, January 13, 2012 at the church from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and from 9:00 AM until service time at the church on Saturday. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the Tom Devine Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o MutualBank of Muncie, 110 E. Charles St. Muncie, IN 47305.