Charles T Rooksberry

Charles Thomas Rooksberry was born to Hazel and Charles Rooksberry in Terre Haute on August 12, 1950. Married on August 7, 1972, he spent 53 wonderful years committed to the love of his life and best friend, Candy Rooksberry. Together they welcomed two daughters Misty and April who blessed them with son-in-laws, Kenneth Joe Zigler and Justun (JR) Lawrence. Grandkids Jacob Smith, Darrion Froschauer, Damion (Felecia) Froschauer, Kenzie Zigler, and Kase Lawrence and three great grandkids Haiden, Hadlie, and Nash Smith. Honorary son Terry (Gina) Borden.

Tom is also survived by his mother Hazel Louise Rooksberry at the young age of 92, brother Paul (Debbie) Rooksberry and sister Marilyn (Mike) Dickison, Brother-in-law Larry Auler, and sister-in-laws Vicki Jones, Sandy (Duaine) Dawson, Carol Auler, Mary (David) Otte, Lisa (Harold) Grayless, Marcia Rooksberry, and Nancy Howell as well as several nieces,nephews and cousins.

Tom was a successful entrepreneur and self-built business man whose priority was providing for his family. He obtained his auctioneer license in 1973 and owned and operated R&R Discount and the Terre Haute Auction Barn. You could often find him driving the big white box truck around North Terre Haute or checking the register at R&R. The Terre Haute Auction was not only a business but also a gathering place offering a social network for all who attended. He conducted countless estate, antique, and benefit auctions in the Terre Haute area.

Tom enjoyed the simple things in life from watching their deer in the yard at home to watching Fox News every night.

Tom proudly served in the Army as a reserve. He was known for being strong willed and stubborn qualities that served him well in his life. He was responsible for keeping it together even though we all knew Candy was the boss.

A man of the community, Tom was a true pillar to those around him.  He was active in the 4-H Auction and Clothe- A-Child Auction, where he volunteered countless hours over the years.  In his spare time, you could find Tom at the Wabash Valley Girls Softball league cheering and encouraging three generations of young women in his daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughters as well as many bonus granddaughters over the years. Tom and Candy were staples within the organization, always there to do anything possible to provide a safe and successful place for the young women of our community to play ball. Tom just loved to watch all of his grandkids and adopted grandkids play their sports whether in North Terre Haute or across the county or country.

Tom was always there, for his family, for his friends, for his community. The auctioneer community were friends that became a small family. He was a true example of steadfast and unwavering commitment.

Tom was preceded in death by his father Charles Rooksberry, brothers David, James, and Kenny Rooksberry, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Glen and Cordia Auler, brother-in-laws Ronnie Auler, Paul Auler, Bill Auler, Junior Auler, and John Jones, and sister-in-law Betty Swalls.

Tom Rooksberry won his battle on Thursday, March 27, 2025 receiving the utmost care by The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care. At the final gavel, Tom left this world as he lived in it with fortitude, strength, and love surrounded by his family.

Services to honor and remember Tom will be held Friday, April 4 at Greiner Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Thursday from 4p.m. to 7p.m. and again Friday one hour prior to services at noon. Burial will follow at Highland Lawn Cemetery. A gathering will follow at Sandcut Firehouse.

Tom’s love and influence are spread throughout the community.  He spent much of his time in the later years spoiling his beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, and bonus grandchildren. In Tom’s memory, do the same. Care for your family, catch a ball game, place the highest bid, play a hand of Black Jack, eat the butterscotch, bet on a horse race, or share a milkshake, eat the bag of popcorn but just not one kernel at a time..
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles T Rooksberry, please visit our floral store.