- Date Of Death: August 15, 2017
- State: Indiana
After graduating from Southport High School, he attended Michigan State University and Indiana Central College until entering the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he graduated from Purdue University, earning college money through raising pigs, sheering sheep, and the G.I. Bill.
Tommy married Shirley Lyons on September 8, 1956. They were married 44 years until her death in 2000. He married Thelma Hunter Harkness on March 21, 2004. She survives. Along with his wife, survivors include his daughters, Shelley (Milt) Grissom of Franklin and Paivi (Bill) Blanchard of Indianapolis; grandchildren Stacie (Sean Wilson) Grissom, Natalie Grissom, Alex Grissom, Markus (Katie) Wilds, and Laura (Cory) Walradth; and four great-grandchildren.
Additional survivors include sister, Sue (Andy) Zajac of Alaska; stepchildren Allan (Lisa) Harkness and Jay (Lisa) Harkness of Indianapolis; Cindy (Mark) McElroy from Georgia; step grandchildren Brock Harkness, Helen Meyer and Duncan Meyer.
