Thomas Philip Ludlam, Sr.

Thomas “Tom” Ludlam, 93, of Carmel, IN, passed away June 13, 2025. He was born April 11, 1932, in Detroit, MI, middle son of Ralph and Helen (Burkhardt) Ludlam.

When he was young, his parents moved to St. Joseph, MI, where Tom spent most of his early life. He started working at Whirlpool Co., sweeping floors, interrupted only by two years’ service in the Navy during the Korean conflict. Over a 42-year career at Whirlpool, Tom rose to the level of purchasing manager, buying parts for washers, dryers and trash compactors. During that time, he was granted two patents. He took great pride in his professional growth.

On September 26, 1956, Tom married Ella Lozmack in Three Oaks, MI. They were married more than 50 years.

As a devout Catholic, Tom served in ushering and reading the liturgy for much of his adult life. He was also committed to the Knights of Columbus and was instrumental in starting and leading councils in Danville, KY and Newburgh, IN. He achieved his 4th degree and, thereafter, started 4th degree efforts in those councils, as well.

Tom’s great passion, aside from family, religion and fellowship, was the love of singing. When he moved to senior living in Carmel, IN, he founded a singing group within the facility which he led for most of his time living there.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Ludlam in 2008; daughter, Linda Ludlam in 2004; brother, Joseph Ludlam; and sister, Patricia (Nash) Ludlam.

Survivors include his sons, Tom Jr (Kathy) Ludlam and Tim (Jennifer) Ludlam; five grandchildren, Kim (Patrick) Hughes, Jack Ludlam, Sam (Tatiana) Pass, Holtz Ludlam, and Sheri Pass.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 9:00 am in St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish, Newburgh, IN, where the Memorial Mass will be conducted at 10:00 am.

The interment will take place following the Memorial Mass in St. John the Baptist Mausoleum.

Contributions, in memory of Tom, may be directed to cancer care and research.

Local arrangements entrusted to Bussell Family Funerals.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Philip Ludlam, Sr., please visit our floral store.