Thomas J. Verplank, 72, quietly passed away March 27 surrounded by family.
He is survived by his wife, Janice, of 42 years and his three children, Johanna, Gerrit (Erin) and Dina (Matt) Verplank. He leaves behind three grandchildren, Jayden, Ashten and Bellarose Verplank and three siblings Rick Verplank, George Verplank and Kathy Boll.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Evelyn Verplank and his brother C. Michael Verplank.
For those who knew and loved Tom, they called him ’Big Verp’. Once you met ‘Big Verp’ you understood the nickname. He towered among most and had a voice that matched his large 6 ‘4” frame, but he had an easy smile and was a gentle soul.
Tom graduated from North Central High School and Purdue University. He spent his career as a teacher, school counselor and then went on to become the athletic director at Broad Ripple High School, however his real love was on a rugby field. Tom was one of the founding fathers of the Indianapolis Rugby Club and he also formed and coached the very first high school rugby team in Hamilton County.
A Celebration of Life service will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. April 3 at Firefly Tattoo, 429 E. Vermont St. in Indianapolis.