Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Garrison Obituary

Dr. Thomas G. Garrison

Was born April 4, 1930 in Posey County, Indiana, passed away December 5, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and mentor. He was a long time educator and community leader who was instrumental in the development of vocational and alternative school programs throughout central Indiana.

He graduated with BS and MS degrees in Agriculture from Purdue University, an MS in Counseling from Ball State University and an Ed D from IU Bloomington. Among his many accomplishments, Tom received the FFA Honorary Farmer award in 1994, and Sagamore of the Wabash award in 1995. He has served as a Navy medic during the Korean conflict, and as Commander and Chaplain of the Brownsburg American Legion Post 331. He served on the school boards of St. Malachy School and Cardinal Ritter High School, President of the College Avenue Condo Association, and has served on the Brownsburg Park Board and as a Brownsburg Police Commissioner. He is a member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association and has been a member of St. Malachy Catholic Church since 1966.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 61 years, Mary K (Catherine), sons Mike (Shari), and Greg (Niki), daughters Becky Garrison, Marty (Ray) Dunn, Mary Beth (Sean) Mullen, Cathy (Doug) Brinkerhoff, Joanie (Brian) Stader and grandchildren Tiffany (Brian) Giles, Michael (Amy) Garrison, Patrick (Faye) Rodriguez, Erin Rodriguez, Kyle (Jeff) Tutterow, Luke Garrison, Curtis Trujillo, Connor Stader, Brock Stader, Garrison Brinkerhoff, Kristen Brinkerhoff, and great grandchildren Taylor Traut, Jake Giles, Hank Giles, Tatum Tutterow, Tenley Tutterow, Ella Garrison, Finnegan Rodriguez, Naqiya Rodriguez and step great grandchildren Rhiannon Dunn and Freddie Barker. He was preceded in death by parents Casey and Ella Garrison, brothers Bob Garrison and Ted Garrison, sister Gladys Davis, granddaughters Vida Dannielle Garrison, Brittany Channel Dalton, and son in law Steven Brian Naanes.

Visitation will be from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2012, at Matthews Mortuary and one hour prior to the funeral on December 10 at St. Malachy Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 10, 2012 at St. Malachy at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Malachy Building Fund "Fulfilling the Promise", 9833 E. County Road 750N, Brownsburg, IN 46112

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Dec. 7, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Garrison

Not sure what to say?





My thoughts and prayers are with your family in your time of loss.

Scott McBee

December 13, 2012

Mary K and Family - I just now read of Tom's passing and am sorry I was not able to offer my sympathy in person. I met Tom through our living in the condo and working with him on the board for a short while. He was truly a "one of a kind" and will be remembered long and well. God bless you and help you through this difficult time. Karen Kruger

Karen Kruger

December 12, 2012

Mary K, Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.

Tom & Mary Clare

December 8, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to all the Garrison Families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless. From Mary Osborn and Families.

Brenda Osborn

December 8, 2012

Dear Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss may God be with all the family during this time of grieving. Trina Hargis (Rund)

December 7, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Garrison family, especially Mary Kay. Having known Tom and his family most of my life, I truly came to appreciate him in the last few years as Commander of the American Legion and through my mother who is a fellow College Ave. Co-Owners Board member. Tom was always full of life and a joy to know and be around. I always enjoyed seeing him whenever I had the opportunity. All of the communities of which he was such a part of, the Town of Brownsburg, St. Malachy Parish, and the College Ave Co-Owners will miss his many talents and joyful presence. Tom truly had a servant's heart. He had such an impact on so many lives his legacy will live on. God Bless you all.

Melissa and Brad Reed

December 7, 2012

Our heartfelt sympathy to Mary Kay and the family. Tom was a class act. Always had a smile for everyone and so much energy. He will be missed.
Blessings to the family.

Gene and Pam Allgood

December 7, 2012

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family today. Mr. Garrison will be truly missed. I will definitely miss his stories about his travels and his family. He was one of a kind! It was a pleasure to see him pull up in front of the Barber Shop, even though he was a customer of Wade's I enjoyed talking with him, and occasionally I had the opportunity to cut his hair which was my pleasure. Thank you for sharing him with us. Carla McCullough - Family Cuts Barber Shop, Pittsboro.

December 7, 2012

Tommy G was an amazing man, he was always there to help anyone in need. He always had a smile and a kind word. He was one of a kind and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Mike & Tonya Schreier

December 7, 2012

Dear Garrison Family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I can't begin to express my admiration for "Mr. G". He could always be found with a warm, welcoming smile, an encouraging word, and a heart full of compassion. He listened, he cared his advice was "custom fit" for your needs, to help you be be the best you possible. I loved that about him. I will miss you Mr. G and I promise to keep your Lovely Bride and family in my prayers. God Bless you all.

Joyce Herrel

December 7, 2012

Mine and Candy's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tom was a super human being, always caring and always enjoyed talking with him...God Speed Tom.

Mike & Candy McClintock

December 7, 2012

Mary Kay and Family, Tom was my boss, my mentor but mostly my friend. Others always came before Tom. He was a devoted husband and father and I am proud to say that I could call him my friend. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4. Please give our love and condolences to the family and I am always here if you need me.

Janie Harmon

December 7, 2012

Marty - Someone as special as your dad will never be forgotten. He will remain in your heart forever. Today and always Marty, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength to you and your family. I felt honored to have meant and taked with your dad.

-Linda

Linda & Merle Mowrey

December 7, 2012

Thank you, Mr. Garrison. As our Markleville Class of '64 sponsor, you encouraged me & gave me a confidence that's lasted throughout my life. God bless you & R.I.P., Mr. Garrison.

Linda Fesmire

December 7, 2012

Mary and Family, Sorry to read about Tom. I always enjoyed talking to him at the reunions. You all have my deepest sympathy. John

John Willis

December 7, 2012

Mr, Garrison was a wonderful teacher. My prayers are with the family.

Sandra Sparks Cunningham

December 7, 2012

Joanie, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you and your family.

Shelley Pelham

December 7, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Diane Burgette (Craig)

December 7, 2012

Mr. Garrison, a great teacher and human being. You were a very positive influence in my life. Thank You, Gary Kinsey

gary kinsey

December 7, 2012

I'm so sorry for your lose.Thinking of you Mrs. Garrison and your family..What a good man ..

kimmie sue fruchtnicht

December 7, 2012

To Greg and the rest of the family, I'm sorry to hear about the death of your father. May God give you comfort in this time of loss.

Jo Ann (Weber) Saylor

December 7, 2012

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Garrison's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Garrison

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Garrison's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more