MUNCIE, IN - Dr. Thomas "Tom" S. McComish passed away from Parkinson's Disease on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the age of 88.

Tom was born on April 29, 1938, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Thomas Edward and Nora (Entenman) McComish. On September 7, 1963, he married Carol McAllister, beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than six decades. A 1956 graduate of Estelline High School, Tom earned his bachelor's degree in Wildlife Conservation from South Dakota State University in 1960, followed by a master's degree in Fisheries Management in 1964. He went on to receive his Ph.D. in Zoology, specializing in Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology, from the University of Missouri in 1971. Tom proudly served his country in the South Dakota Air National Guard, beginning his service from 1960-1966.

In the fall of 1968, Tom joined the Department of Biology at Ball State University, Muncie, IN, where he spent the next 32 years building an extraordinary legacy of teaching, research, and mentorship. He founded Ball State's Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Program, which has conducted internationally recognized research on the aquatic ecosystems of Lake Michigan for more than 50 years. His primary research focused on the population dynamics of yellow perch in Lake Michigan, while his work also advanced the understanding of aquatic ecosystems in the Hoosier National Forest, the Ohio River, and Trail Creek in Indiana.

A respected leader in his field, Tom was a founding member of the Indiana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and served two terms as its president (1971–1972 and 1998–1999). In 1993, he was named Ball State University's Researcher of the Year. During his distinguished career, he authored or co-authored more than 80 professional publication articles and technical reports covering a wide range of topics in aquatic biology and fisheries science. Upon his retirement in the spring of 2000, he was named Professor Emeritus of Biology. That same year, he received the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana's highest civilian honors, in recognition of his many contributions to the state.

Tom's dedication to Ball State continued long after his retirement. He established the Thomas S. McComish Scholarship in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries to support future generations of students and contributed to the construction of the Foundational Sciences Building, completed in 2021. In recognition of his extraordinary impact, the Aquatic Biology Laboratory proudly bears his name.

While Tom's professional accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember his enthusiasm for life, his generosity, and his genuine interest in others. He was a devoted fan of Ball State football and men's basketball and a longtime supporter of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra. He enjoyed sharing good food, good wine, and great conversation with friends through the Ball State wine-tasting group and treasured the friendships he cultivated over many years of playing bridge. Tom also served as president of the Willow Lake Condominium Association, where he and Carol made their home beginning in 2013.

Retirement gave Tom and Carol the opportunity to enjoy many Januarys in the warmth of Siesta Key, Florida, and to travel together to destinations including Ireland, Alaska, the Caribbean, and the many cities that hosted McComish family reunions.

Above all else, Tom loved fishing. Whether on a lake, pond, or stream, he found peace and happiness with a fishing rod in hand. He never passed up an opportunity to spend time on the water, in nature, or tending to his garden. Tom was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Muncie, where he served on both the Parish Council and the St. Mary School Board. He was also an active member and Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #560, serving as Grand Knight from 2012 to 2014. Tom was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

More than any professional honor, Tom treasured his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 62 years, Carol; his son, Stephen Thomas (Kim Jansen) McComish of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his daughter, Anna Marie (Christian) Renner of Noblesville, Indiana; and his cherished grandchildren, Michael Thomas (Emily) McComish, Emma Lynn Renner, and Jacob Andrew Renner. He is also survived by four step-grandchildren, Ben, Chris, Jacob, and Sam Whempner, and seven step-great-grandchildren. Tom is further survived by his sister, Shirley Bren; his brothers, James McComish, Robert McComish, and Richard McComish; his brother-in-law Daniel (Sharon) McAllister, sisters-in-law Karen McComish and Kathleen (Stephen) O'Hara; and several beloved nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E. and Nora McComish, and his sisters, Janice and Julie.

Tom's family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Morrison Woods – The Legacy facility and Heart to Heart Hospice for their loving care of Tom during the past year.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1200 W. Riverside Avenue, Muncie, IN, 47303 with Fr. Dennis O'Keeffe presiding. Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, August 7, 2026, at Franklin Cemetery in Chester, South Dakota, with full military honors provided by the Chester V.F.W.

Family and friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, 415 E. Washington Street, Muncie, IN, 47305, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, or from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Francis Catholic Church, Muncie, IN.

In lieu of flowers, Tom's family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Thomas S. McComish Scholarship in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries – Account #954 through the Ball State University Foundation, 2800 W. Bethel Avenue, Muncie, IN, 47304.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meekmortuary.com.