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Thomas Borton Obituary
Thomas William Borton
Beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, 55, of Los Angeles, CA, formerly of Indianapolis, IN passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 26, 2011. He was born on January 2, 1956 in Norristown, PA to Robert G. and Phyllis M. (Phelps) Borton. Tom graduated from North Central High School in Indianapolis in 1974 and attended Indiana University Bloomington (IN) School of Music. He was a giving, fun-loving individual with a huge heart, as well as a creatively brilliant producer, performer and composer of music. Tom was founder and CEO of Los Angeles Post Music, Inc, a production music library that provides music for a list of clients including television shows such as LOST, The Mentalist, Sex and the City, the Sopranos, King of the Hill, Friends and advertising clients such as Canon, Verizon, NBC, CBS, Warner Brothers, Banana Republic, Columbia Pictures, Fox Sports, ABC, Toyota, GMC and Baskin Robbins.
Tom was a gifted photographer, a wine connoisseur, and enjoyed entertaining, cooking for family and friends, as well as hiking in Nashville, IN where he owned a home for three years. Tom is survived by his parents, sisters; Rebecca Ann "Becky" (William) Erdel of Indianapolis, IN and Janis Elaine Borton of Denver CO. His two nephews; Brad (Rachel) and Blake (Kate) Erdel and his great nieces, Chloe and Audrey Erdel. Funeral services will be Sunday August 7th at 4:00 pm in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel , 740 E. 86th St. Indianapolis, IN 46240. Immediately following, a celebration of Tom's life will be held at the Indianapolis Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave, with a tribute performed by his fellow musicians. There will be no visitation or receiving line prior to the service. You are invited to visit the website http://www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Tom, sign the guest book or in lieu of flowers make a memorial gift to the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, Tom Borton Scholarship Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Borton
TySaud Johnson
August 10, 2011
I was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of my fellow North Central and Tarnished Silver bandmate. He was a gifted musician and kind-hearted person who never forgot his friends. My condolences to Tom's family on this sad occasion.
Larry and Sandy Schroeder
August 9, 2011
We were in the loft of a small establishment in Nora, (must have been late 70's) listening to one of the many bands that Tom was a part of during his life. Their original pieces were great, but I'll always remember his mellow tones during their cover of a Billy Joel hit, "...I need to know that you will always be the same old someone that I knew..." Here's to you, Tom, one of the great ones!
Larry and Sandy Schroeder
August 9, 2011
Dear Phyllis, Bob and family, We were so saddened to hear about Tom's untimely passing and sorry that we could not attend the service and tribute for him. He was an all around great person, in addition to being so talented at so many things. He burned brightly during his all-too-brief time on earth and will be greatly missed by everyone that he touched. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Alan Ray
August 7, 2011
Tom gave us gifts of music, laughter and friendship throughout our days gowing up together. For most of us that totals over a thousand such gifts from him. The energy of his legacy will be with us forever.
Ron Levinson
August 7, 2011
Tom will be playing for the angels in heaven as he did for so many of us.
He was a gifted musician and brought joy and smiles to many going back as a teenager.Tom was a NCHS and IU alumni that will go down as one of the most accomplished in school history.When ever I bragged about the accomplished Hoosiers or NCHS graduates I always mentioned Tom.
If not for CD's he and his music would be missed.
He shall rest in peace.
August 7, 2011
Dear Borton Family; I am so sad to hear the news of Tom's passing. I had been traveling and just got back in town. I have so many happy memories of Tom. I am sorry that I could not be present to extend my condolences in person. You are in my thoughts and prayers today. It is an unexpected and great loss. Sincerely, David Tetrick.
Roger Hurlbut
August 7, 2011
When I moved to Jasper, IN, a new friend who shuttled between Jasper and LA, mentioned a female friend who played bass and traveled with a band. I said, my good friend from H.S. dates a woman who plays bass and travels with a band. Yes, she dated Tom. Twelve years later, last night, he volunteered to substitute for me (and do a lot of work) at Jasper's Strassenfest, so I could go to Tom's service, guilt-free.
As I call, or am called, by Tom's many friends, to share our disbelief and sadness, I remember that Tom was at the very center of such a great group of friends. He had band friends and "brain" friends, and gymnast friends. Tom was a doer and a leader. I was honored that he spent time with me. I am so relieved that I can attend, today, and visit with the Bortons and with Tom's many friends.
Julie Kartrude
August 6, 2011
Tom was a wonderful and talented man. There is a great loss in his passing and many hearts are heavy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jon Morris
August 4, 2011
Dear Borton family,
I knew Tom back in his days at NCHS, followed his career over the years and was pleased to reconnect with him on Facebook awhile back; I have fond memories of playing in the various bands with Tom at North Central.
I am sorry for your loss and know others on this list have made it clear what a special and gifted individual he was. I wish you the best and wanted to add my thoughts to this list.
Cathy Killigrew
August 2, 2011
Dear Tom and family,
We are truly grateful to have known you. You will always have a special place in our hearts.
Love,
Cathy(Disher)& Bob Killigrew
Lisa Waterbury Allen
August 2, 2011
Dearest Debbie & Borton family,
Our thoughts and prayers our with you at this devastating time! May God give you strength peace, hope and strength!
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