Tommy was born to the late Robert “Bob” and Laura “Athelene” (Slate) Sandlin in Elkmont on June 17, 1936. Tommy attended Elkmont schools and was the starting quarterback for his high school football team. He served as an airman and HVAC specialist in the U.S. Air Force, stationed both in the United States and Greenland.
Having moved north, Tommy’s natural skills with all things electrical and mechanical led to early jobs working with automobiles and then a long, successful career in the mobile home, RV and modular home industry in the Michiana area. He served in senior production manager roles, most notably at Honey RVs and Dutchmen and was a former partner at True North, and Hart Housing.
A highly-regarded expert in production efficiency, he pioneered the “lean manufacturing” processes that would in later years become standard across the industry. A strikingly charismatic man, Tommy was widely known for his generosity. His ability to build or fix anything was put to good use, helping numerous friends and family to complete many projects over the years.
He could often be found hanging out with his friends and family in his large, spotless garage overlooking the St. Joseph River or enjoying conversation over breakfast at the Boardwalk or the Bristol Street Café. He also enjoyed boating, fishing and snowmobiling. In Elkhart, he met and married Helen M. (Iavagnilio) Sandlin, his wife of 60 years. She survives, as well as his daughter, Corinne Larson, and son-in-law, Andrew Goodale, of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
He was the loving grandfather of Benjamin McClintic and wife Michelle of Elkhart, and Matthew McClintic of Brookline, Massachusetts; and great-grandfather of Kendall, Colin and Quinn McClintic of Elkhart.
One of nine siblings, Tommy is survived by his sisters Jane Beddingfield and husband Glen, Nella Dean McKee and husband Harold, and Carolyn McCallister and husband Pete of Athens; and by a brother, George Sandlin of Elkmont. Tommy was beloved by his many nieces and nephews and his lifelong friends and colleagues. He was a member of the Goshen Moose Lodge No. 836 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter No.19 of Elkhart.
He was preceded in death by a son, Frank Joseph Sandlin in 2007; and by his siblings, Mary Martha Newby, Robert Sandlin, Ruth Cain and Wayne Sandlin.
Services celebrating Tommy’s life will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, where friends and family may gather starting at 1 p.m. until service time at the Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor Gary Sheets will officiate.
The service will conclude with the folding and presentation of the flag and playing of taps by the U.S. Air Force Funeral Honor Guard.In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place, with burial at a later date at St. Vincent Cemetery, Elkhart.
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