THOMAS SCHWINDAMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP | Barbara Schwindaman and Gordy Germany

Contact: Barbara Schwindaman and Gordy Germany

Gordy Germany was Tom’s close friend and was instrumental in establishing the Thomas Schwindaman Memorial Scholarship. A major donor to the scholarship fund, Gordy worked with Barb, Tom’s widow, to set criteria that would aid in awarding this scholarship to an individual who possessed qualities similar to Tom.

THOMAS M. SCHWINDAMAN – 1955-2015
Tom was born in Rockford, Illinois the youngest of four children and the only son. Tom attended Saint Patrick’s and Boylan High School where he made lifelong friends. Growing up Tom enjoyed figuring out how things worked mechanically, and this interest was encouraged by his father and grandfather. Tom learned the electrical trade from his father. Tom could fix, build, or create just about anything, and he was well-known for his “Schwinventions”. It was typical for friends and family to call on him for his expert advice. Tom loved cars, once having a collection of over 25 antique automobiles, mostly Buicks. He loved boating and being on the water. Tom and his wife, Barb, lived in Rockford where they raised their two daughters, Jill and Kelly.

They moved to Florence, Alabama in 1999. Tom had a strong faith in God. His faith guided his life and was evident to anyone who came in contact with him. He attended Woodmont Baptist Church, and traveled to Brazil several times for missions. Tom was known for his quiet generosity, always willing to share his time, talent, and resources, never expecting anything in return. More than anything, he cherished his family and was always ready to help with a project or give loving advice.