Thomas H. Collester

Thomas H. Collester, born on January 15, 1932, in Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, in the same city. He lived a life filled with dedication to both his family and his career, which spanned an impressive 35 years as a machine repairman at Chrysler. Thomas was known for his exceptional ability to overhaul transmissions and engines, and he could fix just about anything, often found tinkering with machines in his spare time.

Thomas served honorably in the United States Army for two years, embodying a sense of duty that he carried throughout his life. He was a beloved member of the community and joined several organizations, including the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite, and the Murat Shriners, reflecting his commitment to service and brotherhood, and most importantly, as a Christian, his faith in God guided Thomas throughout his life.  

Family and friends will remember Thomas for his friendly and kind nature. He was approachable and had a way of letting others know exactly how he felt, a trait that sometimes required a filter to ensure his words were received as he intended. He had a zest for life that included a variety of interests and hobbies. In his younger days, Thomas enjoyed waterskiing and often took long walks, soaking in the beauty of nature. He was a true sports enthusiast, relishing the thrill of the Indianapolis 500 race, while also being a dedicated fan of baseball and basketball, with a particular fondness for the Indiana Pacers and the IU Hoosiers, especially during the coaching era of Bob Knight.

Thomas is survived by his daughter, Gwen (David) Young, and by his son, Larry Collester; grandson, Larry (Faith) Collester, Jr.; great-grandson, Boone Collester; great-granddaughter, Elsie Collester; granddaughter, Abbey (Ben) Sharp; great-granddaughter, Elaina Sharp. He joins his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruby Collester; son, Garry Collester; daughter, Carol Collester; and parents, Dentin and Helen Collester, in eternal rest.

Visitation will be held on March 2, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services located at 1604 W Morris St, Indianapolis, IN 46221. A funeral service will follow on March 3, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM at the same location, with burial to take place at West Newton Cemetery at 2:30 PM that afternoon.

Thomas H. Collester will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of kindness, hard work, and dedication to family will continue to inspire those left behind.