Thomas Dee Root, age 72, of Richmond, died Wednesday morning (November 12, 2008) at his residence.� He was born in New Castle on December 23, 1935 to Lloyd and Lucille Bannan Root and had lived in the Hagerstown and Richmond area all of his life.� He was a graduate of Hagerstown High School and� graduated from Wilmington College with a degree in teaching.�� He had worked as a farmer and barber and had owned and operated an ice cream store in Hagerstown.� Tom was a member of the former Whitewater Lodge #41 IOOF and was a member of Hiram Lodge #417 F & AM in Centerville.�Survivors include his wife of 32 years - Jean Slattery Root and nieces and nephews.�A memorial service will be conducted at 4:00 pm on Saturday (November 15, 2008) at the Centerville Masonic Lodge (411 South 1st Street, Centerville).� There will be no public visitation.� Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Reid Hospital Foundation for Hospice, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, IN� 47374 or to HELP the Animals 2101 West Main St. Richmond, IN 47374.� www.riggle-waltermann.com