Thomas Russell Salat, Sr.

Thomas Russell Salat, Sr., 73, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away on March 18, 2025 at Northwest Health La Porte, surrounded by his loving family.

Thomas was born on April 10, 1951, in Michigan City, Indiana to Jack Salat and Irene (Batzel) Salat-Archer.

On August 15, 1970, in Michigan City, Indiana, he married Anita Emerick, who survives. Also surviving are his 3 children, Thomas (Jennifer) Salat, Jr., of La Porte, Adam (Nicole) Salat of Rolling Prairie, and Tiffany (Adam) Thomas of La Porte; 5 dearly loved grandchildren, Adam Salat, Jr., Addisyn Thomas, Gabriel Thomas, Ilana Thomas, and Gideon Thomas; siblings, James (Jackie) Salat of Michigan City, Sandra Church of La Porte, and Stella (Don) Schweizer of Michigan City; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Bonnie Salat; granddaughter, Miranda Salat; sister, Shirley (John) Basinger; brother, Andrew Salat; and half-brother, Richard Batzel.

Thomas worked his whole life in construction and started a business. Striker Construction, in 1990. He had a gift of figuring out how to solve a construction issue and wasn't afraid of a challenge, often with his family and co-workers holding their breath!

He enjoyed watching tv, mainly Westerns that included John Wayne, his favorite actor, as well as shows featuring Katherine Hepburn. Thomas particularly enjoyed when John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn started together in the 1975 Western film, Rooster Cogburn. He also enjoyed watching Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Bonanza, and Rifleman.

Thomas enjoyed attending the fair, going on vacation, fishing, gardening, attending auctions, riding motorcycles, and caring for horses. Most importantly, Thomas will be fondly remembered for his deep love for and devotion to his family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Joseph Shelton officiating. Burial will follow at Kingsbury Cemetery.

A time of visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any memorial donations be made to the family in c/o Anita Salat, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, Indiana.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.