Phi Delta Theta Fraternity

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Tom Orton married Lois Kruse in 1961 and had 3 fantastic children: John, twins Lorrie and Merrie, and 5 energetic grandchildren. Lois has an M.A. in Human Services, taught elementary school, was director at Trinity Lutheran's Pre-K school in Austin, Texas, and was an assistant in various doctors' offices. Tom has an M.A. in Geography from Wayne State University and also has advanced work from Southern Illinois University (SIU) and The University of Texas at Austin (UT). Tom has taught college courses in Geography, Conservation of Natural Resources, and History. He played basketball and baseball at Valparaiso University and still holds Valpo's records in both the single season and the career-highest batting average. Tom subsequently was elected to the Valpo Athletic Hall of Fame. Tom was also the leading hitter for the 1959 U.S. Pan American Olympic Baseball Team, which received a Bronze Medal in the Games. He played 4 years as a catcher in the Detroit Tigers Minor League System. Tom has coached basketball at Valpo (grad asst.), Detroit Lutheran East High School, Roane State Community College (Tennessee), and Concordia University (Texas). In his first year as head coach at each of the schools, he recorded the best win-loss record in that school's history. The Concordia University 1983 basketball team was 30 -7 and went on to win The Little College National Championship, and twice won against NCAA Division I basketball teams. Tom and Lois enjoy taking trips and cruises to Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean and would love to host Snow Country friends in our home.