[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF THOMAS M. LOFTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2015

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of a beloved member of the Indiana community, Thomas Lofton. Sadly, Tom 
passed away on June 19, 2015, at the age of 86. He was a well-
established attorney and leader of the Lilly Endowment, one of the 
largest private philanthropic foundations in the country. He will be 
dearly missed by the Hoosier community, but he leaves behind a 
tremendous legacy that will live on and flourish under the leadership 
of those that he has mentored.
  A lifelong Hoosier, Tom was born and raised in Indianapolis. He 
attended Howe High School, and during this time he was an Eagle Scout 
and a delegate to Hoosier Boys State. He later earned his bachelor's 
degree from Indiana University and J.D. from the Indiana University 
Maurer School of Law. He graduated with distinction and was honored 
with membership to the Order of the Coif and Beta Gamma Sigma, both of 
which are honor societies recognizing academic excellence.
  Tom's experience in the law field is extensive and impressive. He 
started his career by serving as a law clerk to United States Supreme 
Court Justice Sherman Minton. After his clerkship he joined Baker & 
Daniels law firm in Indianapolis and remained there for over three 
decades. He developed a national reputation as an expert on tax-exempt 
organizations, providing counsel to organizations like The Clowes Fund, 
Liberty Fund, Indiana University Foundation, Christian Theological 
Seminary, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Lilly Endowment, which he would 
later Chair.
  In 1991, Tom retired from his position as Managing Partner at Baker & 
Daniels to accept the position of Vice Chairman of the Lilly Endowment 
and in 1994 was named Chairman, a position which he would hold for the 
next 22 years. The impact he made in his over 45 years of service in 
Indianapolis is incredible. During his Lilly Endowment Chairmanship he 
oversaw the allocation of more than $7 billion in grants to education, 
community development, and religion, mostly in Indianapolis. He had a 
passion for helping others and cared deeply about the Endowment and its 
legacy. He was known to be a great mentor, investing time in helping 
others grow personally and professionally. He truly was an embodiment 
of the Endowment's mission to serve others.
  Tom's dedication to charitable causes went beyond his involvement 
with the Lilly Endowment. He was a member of the boards of the Indiana 
University Foundation and the Allen Whitehall Clowes Charitable 
Foundation, to name a few. Tom also continued his devotion to Indiana 
University by founding and sitting on the Board of Visitors of the 
Indiana University Maurer School of Law and sitting on the IU Medical 
School Dean's Council.
  On many different occasions, Tom was recognized for his wonderful 
work. He received honorary doctoral degrees from Indiana University, 
Ball State University, and Wabash College. He received numerous awards 
from Indiana University, including the Distinguished Alumni Service 
Award, the Thomas Hart Benton Medallion, and was inducted into the 
Academy of Law Alumni Fellows. From Wabash College he received the Peck 
Award for his distinguished career. He was even added to the Sigma Nu 
Fraternity Hall of Honor and awarded by Governor Mitch Daniels the 
prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash.
  Tom is survived by his wife, Betty Lofton, daughters Stephanie Lees 
of Indianapolis and Melissa Guinn of Bloomington, six grandchildren, 
two great grandchildren, and his brother, John Lofton. Tom had an 
unrivaled wisdom and commitment to serving others. Tom was a leader in 
the community who will always be remembered through his accomplishments 
and the enduring benefits he created for the Indianapolis community. 
Please join me in thanking Tom's family and friends for sharing such a 
wonderful man with the Hoosier community.

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