Thomas Vaness Ransom, 80, of Frankfort, died at 12:38 a.m. on September 2, 2025 at home. He was born March 6, 1945 in Frankfort, Indiana, to Rawlings and Rosemary (Walton) Ransom. He married Marilyn Mast Ransom on August 21, 1966 in Frankfort and she preceded him in death on December 4, 2017.
Tom was a 1963 graduate of Frankfort High School and received his BS Degree from Indiana University in 1967 where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. He was a lifelong Frankfort resident. Tom was chairman of the board of Kramer Brothers Lumber Company, a family owned business that began in 1872, from 1985 to 2017. He served as Principal and teacher in Monroe County Schools from 1967-1969. Tom served the city of Frankfort on the Frankfort School Board, the Utility Board, and the City Board of Works. He was a member of the Frankfort Rotary and Order of Symposiarcs. He started a football officiating career in 1965 with IHSAA before joining the Big Ten football officiating staff in 1983 as a Linesman. He officiated 21 years on the field, 7 years in the booth as part of the initial Big Ten replay system, 10 years as a scout observer for the Big Ten and National Football League. He was also supervisor of officials for the Indiana Athletic Conference for 9 years and inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Tom officiated 14 Bowl games in his career including the Rose Bowl. Tom received the Herman Rohrig Football Official Award in 2012, The National Football Foundation Award, Indiana Chapter in 2008, and the Butch Lambert All-American Football Award in 2004.
Surviving are his Daughter: Melissa Ransom Hudspith (Ande) of Frankfort, Sons: Todd (Brenda) Ransom of Lebanon, Mark (Carrie) Ransom of Lebanon, Rob (Andrea) Ransom of Denver, Colorado, Sister: Sally Ransom Myers of Frankfort, Brother: Jack (Suzie) Ransom of Frankfort , Grandchildren: Tucker Ransom, Irene Ransom, Marli Ransom, Jane Ransom, Hannah McQuinn, Macie McQuinn, Rawlings Ransom, and Ketner Ransom, Step-Grandchildren: Colin Hudspith, Aidan Hudspith, Ethan Hudspith, and Owen Hudspith, and Partner Judy Capawana. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Joseph Kendrick Ransom.
A service honoring Tom will be held at The First Church of the Nazarene, 2056 E. Wabash Street, Frankfort, Indiana on September 22, 2025 at 1:30 pm. A Celebration of Life and Visitation will follow the service at the Community Life Center behind the church. Friends can greet family and share stories from 3pm to 7pm at the Celebration and Visitation.
Tom’s wish is for everyone who attends the service to wear their favorite college school gear. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ransom Advised Fund (which benefits local activities in Boone and Clinton County.) c/o Clinton County Community Foundation, 215 W Sycamore St., Kokomo, IN 46901.
Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main Street, Frankfort is honored to assist the Ransom family. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com where you may leave a condolence.