Tom DeBrular

John Thomas “Tom” DeBrular, of Franklin, Ind., formerly of Cromwell, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Franklin. He was born on July 21, 1924, in Cromwell to Ellsworth and Nellie (Sparrow) DeBrular, the youngest of five boys. Due to the early deaths of both parents, he entered the Indiana Masonic Home Orphanage in Franklin to reside. He returned to the same place, now Compass Park Masonic Home community, in 2018 and was living there at the time of his death.

He graduated from high school at the Masonic Home and joined the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II as a SeaBee in Hawaii and Iwo Jima. He was there at the invasion of Iwo Jima until the end of WWII and witnessed the raising of the American flag leading to the iconic image.

He was united in marriage to Geraldine Schlabaugh on Nov. 7, 1947. Geraldine died in May of 2021. Surviving is a daughter, Debra Cosbey (Roger), Summerville, S.C., along with a granddaughter, Allison Cosbey (Brock Combs), and several nieces and nephews.

Tom worked for Keidaish Vending of Cromwell and Ligonier for 60 years.

He served on the Cromwell Town Board for many years and was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 2014.

He was a past master of Cromwell Masonic Lodge, receiving his 75-year pin in 2021. He was an active member of Scottish Rite and was awarded the Meritorious Service Award. He also was a member of Mizpah Shrine and was a founding member of the Keystone Kops Parade Unit. Tom is a member of the Prentiss Chapter of Eastern Star and the Franklin Sojourners.

Tom and Geraldine enjoyed wintering in Lakeland, Fla. For their Shrine volunteer work at Tiger Stadium in Lakeland, they received the honor of being named Kentucky Colonels.

He was a member of the North Webster United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the North Webster Legion, placing Memorial Day flags on veterans’ graves at several local cemeteries.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine; his parents; and his brothers, James and Don, of Fort Wayne, and Joseph, of Cromwell. His brother, Paul, was killed in action in WWII.

It was his request that there be no service or calling. A private burial will take place at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell.

Memorials may be directed to Cromwell Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 354, Cromwell, IN 46732, Indiana Masonic Home, P.O. Box 44210 Indianapolis, IN 46244 or to Pet Elves to the Rescue, 169 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, IN 46131.

Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at yeagerfuneralhome.com.