Thomas Edward Bambrey

Jan. 26, 2025

Posted

Thomas Edward Bambrey passed away peacefully with his wife at his side on Jan. 26, 2025. He was 78. 

Tom was the first-born son of Edward Thomas and Clara Mae (Ansell) Bambrey. He spent his childhood in western Pennsylvania, enjoying every minute as a gifted athlete and avid student

Tom married Lucy Hackett Bambrey and together they had Tara Bambrey Jecklin and Jamie (Johnna) Bambrey. They divorced and he married Roselie Pelzer Bambrey, who shared his children, and 45 years of adventures.

In 1964, Tom came to Wabash College to run track for J. Owen Hunsman. He earned a bachelor’s degree, majoring in English at Wabash and continued his education at the University of Denver, where he earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in English Literature. 

Tom became the Director of English Language Center at DU and then moved onto the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and onto becoming the Dean of Students. In 1993, Tom took the Dean of Students and Co-Curricular Education job at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. 

President Andy Ford called Tom and asked if he would be interested in becoming the Dean of Students at Wabash College in 1997. Thus began his dream job. Tom always had an academic appointment in the English Department because he loved teaching, but his gift was in working with students across campus and for all kinds of reasons. 

Tom finished his career at Wabash as the Director of Athletics. Tom loved working with coaches and athletes. His greatest honor came this past September as he was inducted in the Wabash College Athletics Hall of Fame. He will be missed.

Tom is survived by his wife, Roselie Bambrey; daughter Tara Jecklin; son Jamie Bambrey; brother,David (Lorraine) Bambrey; grandchildren, Ryan and Cassidy Jecklin; brothers-in-law, Robert (Karen) Pelzer and Jerry (Ute) Pelzer; and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Feb. 8 in the Wabash College Chapel. Burkhart Funeral Home oversees his cremation. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the general scholarship fund at Wabash College.


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