Thomas Owen Wigent

Thomas “Tom” Owen Wigent, 83, of Ligonier, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

He was born on January 18, 1942, in Columbia City to the late Warren S. and Mary Elizabeth (Crawford) Wigent. He attended Columbia Township School and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1960.

Tom graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Ag Economics and then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from the IU School of Law- Indianapolis. While in law school he worked for social security disability, as a bailiff for a circuit court judge, and for the Allen Smith Publishing Co.

On June 9, 1968, in Indianapolis, Tom married the love of his life, Sue Ann Abel.

Following graduation, Tom worked as a Deputy Attorney General (highway/trial) for the State of Indiana, helping to develop Indiana’s present highway system. Tom and Sue were then ready to move back to ‘God’s Country’ in northeast Indiana, settling in Ligonier. Tom went into private law practice, retiring after more than 50 years.

He also developed his farm raising livestock and crops, enjoyed repairing equipment, and loved tending to all creatures great and small. His family always joked he was “outstanding in his field”.

Tom will be fondly remembered for his lifelong love and support of his family, his church, and his community. He especially enjoyed the many sporting events and other activities of his children and grandchildren. He was always ready to relate a good story or offer a discerning piece of wisdom for others.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sue; children, Wendy (Gary) Gensch of Marshall, MI, John (Susan) Wigent of Ligonier, and Amy (Jerry) Klopfenstein of Portland, IN; 11 beloved grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister-in-law Karen Wigent of Columbia City, brother, Dave (Jerry Ann) Wigent of Columbia City, and sister, Nancy (John) Sullivan of Warsaw.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Wigent of Columbia City.

The funeral service celebrating Tom’s life will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Stones Hill Community Church,151 W. Stones Hill Rd, Ligonier, with calling from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Calling will also be Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Church. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Oak Grove Church of God, 2426 S Raber Rd, Columbia City, IN 46725.

In lieu of flowers, please direct all memorials to Stones Hill Community Church.