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Thomas A. Joyce III
1953 - 2022
Thomas A. Joyce III
1953 - 2022
Obituary
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Thomas A. Joyce III Obituary
Thomas A. (Walt) Joyce III was born Dec. 6, 1953 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Walt was a life-long Indianapolis resident. He was a graduate of St. Christopher’s Grade School and Brebeuf Preparatory High School. He also earned his Bachelor and Master’s Degree from Butler University. Walt taught Social Studies in the Lebanon School System. Walt was an active member of St. Christopher Church. He was a great sports fan. He intensely followed both the Colts and the Chicago Cubs. Walt liked to say that rooting for these teams caused him to be strong and he was “no stranger to disappointment”. Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Rachel Joyce. He is survived by his brother, James Joyce; sister-in-law, Leslie Joyce; nephew, Zachary Joyce; niece, Jamie Mannella; great nephews, Rocco and Jagger Mannella. The family will receive friends from 4pm-8pm this Thursday March 17, 2022 at Conkle Funeral Home, 4925 W. 16th St., Speedway IN. A Mass will be held in Walt’s honor, Friday March 18, 2022 at St. Christopher Catholic Church 5301 W. 16th St., Speedway IN at 11am with Visitation beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund of St. Christopher Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.conklefuneralhome.com.
33 Entries
Joseph S
June 23, 2022
Mr. Joyce had such a lasting impact on many students, especially me! His kindness to a kid who was struggling will never be forgotten. I’m sure his family knows this, but he had such a positive long lasting impact on his students!
Heather Kenjorski
May 20, 2022
A wonderful, funny, bright guy who I will miss seeing greatly. Rest In Peace, Tom. I know you gave your mom a big hug.
Margaret Sergon
April 4, 2022
I met Joyce in 2015 at St. Ann's Catholic church. I was at that church for mission appeal on behalf of my convent in East Africa. Joyce introduced himself to me after mass and was thrilled to know I was a Catholic nun from Kenya and studying in Milwaukee. Since that meeting, Joyce kept in touch with me all through my graduate studies, encouraging and rejoicing at my every milestone. The last time I called Joyce he told me he was not feeling too good and requested I call him the following day. Days have passed since the last phone call and today when I called, his number is out of service- then I see his obituary online.
Joyce, thank you for reaching out to me when I visited your church community. Thank you for the countless letters of encouragement. Thank you for rejoicing at my every achievement. Wherever I go, I will look out for the stranger and cheer on the students in my life, as you did for me.
And I know in your transformed life, you will fulfil your dream of visiting Kenya.
Rest in peace.
Me and Mr. Joyce at my 2012 wedding.
Abby Kincaid
March 24, 2022
I mentioned in an earlier message that Mr. Joyce attended my wedding. This was in 2012 and he was undoubtedly imparting some of always positive wisdom. :)
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Lance Owens
March 21, 2022
Growing up we didn’t need security guards in school, we had a Mr. Joyce. His self depricating humor and jokes drew everyone in and made him so likeable and trusted. He was the person to notice anyone having a tough day or time away from school and always offered that compassion, humor and the right pick me up to build one back up. What an impact he made on the world through genuine compassion and kindness. Rest in peace as there is an extra special classroom for you up above and thank you for your teachings.
Divot
March 21, 2022
This saddens me. Walter was a truly special person. He, his brother, J.R., and I were friends. I spent many happy hours with them and their parents at their home. I distinctly recall, with embarrassment, the wee hours political debate I once had with Walter that became so heated that his father got out of bed and come into the living room to admonish us to argue more quietly. Walter’s penchant for nicknames came early. Walter changed my given name, David, to “Divot,” which was always followed by the refrain “ please replace the Divot.” Fifty years later, there are now people who still refer to me exclusively as “Divot.” GOD bless you, Walter.
Shirley Kendrick
March 19, 2022
For many years I would stop and talk to Tom before the 5:30 Mass every Saturday at St. Christopher Church. I first met him when he was sitting in church with his mother who was a teacher when I was in grade school. He was so nice, and I looked forward to talking to him every week. The last Saturday he was at church we talked before Mass, waved to each other in the parking lot, and said, ”Have a good week. My Saturdays at Mass will not be the same. I will miss him. I am glad I got to meet his family, and my sympathy goes out to all of you.
Jessica (Lewis) Ginn
March 18, 2022
Mr. Joyce was my teacher at LMS as well as my older sister’s teacher. He would always tease me about being just like ol Libby (her nickname from him). He was a remarkable teacher with a talent of making each student know how much he cared for them. He could remember every nickname and where every student sat. I think of him often when I use silly sayings or throw candy out for correct answers with my own students. It was an honor to have him as a teacher and he will be greatly missed by all!
March 18, 2022
I am blown away by comments from Tom’s former students and coworkers. What a legacy Tom has left!
Tom was fortunate the last few years to have friends (from grade school) who checked on him and helped him get to the doctor, and other appts when he was not able.
I went to grade school with Tom and he was always smiling and was a kind person. I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing his great sense of humor until I started meeting with the St. Chris group for our dinner get togethers. I know that Tom will be with us every time we meet, and he will know how much we miss him! Rest well Tom.
Alyssa
March 18, 2022
Mr Joyce was the first teacher to really see any potential in me. (At least out loud.) He helped anyone who needed it and praised anyone who proved him wrong. Even in the slightest achievement by a student wasn't too small for him to notice. He was genuinely concerned about his students. He nicknamed me GENIUS because I proved him wrong on a test and I never heard my given name out of his mouth again. He did that to many kids. He nicknamed my sister Frito because she always had those chips in his class. I will miss him and his wacky sense of humor. Anyone who knew him knew how he always tried to turn everything into a fun experience. His handwriting was prett great as well. He will be missed!
Nadine Farid Johnson
March 16, 2022
I feel so fortunate to have had Mr. Joyce as a teacher. He made every student feel special—a true gift, especially in the middle school years. I will forever remember his kind and earnest manner, his love of cinnamon gummy bears, and Casey at the Bat—not to mention that distinctive handwriting, which we could cherish over years of Christmas cards. Thank you, Mr. Joyce. Rest well.
ELIZABETH LINTON
March 16, 2022
Mr. Tom Joyce was a co-worker with whom I taught at Lebanon Middle School. He was ALWAYS positive, caring, hilarious, and genuinely concerned about his students. He loved "the Cubs"! He supported the sports teams at LMS! I sincerely enjoyed talking with him about students. I also very much enjoyed his sense of humor and how he treated everyone he came in contact with!
Suzi (Maines) Boyett
March 15, 2022
I remember Mr. Joyce fondly! He loved teaching and all his students. He had a great smile and a great sense of humor. I cannot imagine how many thousands of Christmas cards he mailed over the years. Rest In Peace.
Christine Wise
March 15, 2022
Mr. Joyce was a great teacher--bless any teacher that teaches middle school for that long. He cared so much about his students and was always a fun and calm presence.
Didi Farid
March 15, 2022
Mr. Joyce was my children’s Middle School teacher and he left lasting memories with his kindness and caring personality. He kept in touch with Christmas cards long after they finished school. He was always smiling and made every student feel special. Mr. Joyce was a dedicated teacher and a wonderful human. He will always be fondly remembered. Rest in peace Mr. Joyce, you made your mark in this world.
Abby Kincaid
March 14, 2022
Mr. Joyce will be forever missed by those of us lucky to have known him. He was a guest at my wedding nearly 27 years after he was my 6th grade teacher. And he was the only former teacher I even thought to invite. Of course he was the biggest hit there among my local friends, all of whom knew and loved him too - and most of whom hadn’t seen him in years. His kindness will continue to shine on in innumerable ways large and small. Much love to his family.
Nick Rosner
March 14, 2022
Tom was a great classmate and friend from grade school to high school. He will be remembered for his pleasant demeanor with a constant smile. I thank God that our paths crossed.
Ramona Smith
March 13, 2022
Mr Joyce was my teacher and friend. I am proud to say we exchanged Christmas cards for 37 years, since my Middle school days! He was kind, generous, and hilarious. And yes, he had nicknames for us all...forever your Ramonski....will miss you always...
March 13, 2022
Mr. Joyce was a wonderful teacher. He always did his best to help those needed a little more without making it known to all the others and I always thought that was wonderful. Showed he had a big heart. He was one of my favorite teachers.
Katie Grause
March 12, 2022
Mr. Joyce was a wonderful teacher and Youth Group leader. Many fond memories of Youth Group dances, car washes, and trips to Kings Island. A calm, friendly, giving man - the world will be less bright without him.
Jennifer Smith
March 12, 2022
What a great man that shared so much and as a teacher.
A great role model and great your kindness.
Jennifer Smith, Chris
Aaron Wayne Martin
March 12, 2022
He was a great motivator! Always genuinely cared for the students. I'm surprised no one has mentioned the donut holes we would compete for in his class. We were truly blessed to have had as a mentor.
Derek Caldwell
March 12, 2022
A truly wonderful, kind, and selfless man. I had the privilege of being his student, his cadet teacher, and his service learner. But beyond that, I got to know him as a friend outside of the classroom after I had graduated. I’m happy to report that he was the exact same kind and caring person outside the school as he was inside. His idiosyncrasies made learning so much fun. In 7th grade he started calling me Lech after we learned about Lech Walesa. From that day until the last time I spent time with him a few years ago in Pizza Hut, he still called me Lech. He leaves a legacy of love and joy that will live on in all those lives he touched. What better legacy is there than that? Thank you, Tom, for everything. Can’t wait to hear you say one more time, “aaaahhhh Lech, how are ya? I’ve been good. On a steady diet of cookies and milk, which I drink out of a dirty glass.” Until we meet again, my friend.
Rachel Dicus
March 11, 2022
This guy made me smile even when I was down. He loved his cubs and didn't just treat you like a student but family. He always asked how we were doing even after weren't in his class anymore. I love you and all you represented as a teacher . He was wonderful
Jeremy Harris
March 11, 2022
Mr. Joyce was an upstanding guy! He cared very much about his students, even if he wasn’t their teacher. He was
fun to goof around with!! Class of 97 will miss him!
Jennifer Wolfenbarger
March 11, 2022
Mr. Joyce was one of my favorite teachers. He truly cared about his students and gave us all nick names. We will miss you Mr. Joyce.Until we meet again.Go Cubs!!, Jennifer Lou
Christine Blankenship
March 11, 2022
Mr. Joyce was such a wonderful teacher. I loved having him as a teacher and know that he will be missed by so many other students that he had in class.
Kelli Selby McQueen
March 11, 2022
He is remembered by so many LMS students as being a fun teacher and he always went out of his way to make a student feel happy with his smiles and jokes. I got a Christmas card for years from him, and that was very touching and special. I am a teacher now and he was one of my inspirations for going into the profession. A great man who touched many lives. Rest easy and thank you.
Garry Wines
March 11, 2022
Truly was one of the best ever at Lebanon Middle School. He cared so much for ALL of us. He used to give us crazy nicknames to make it easier to remember EVERY students name. Mine is Garry Sue. You'll never be forgotten and your legacy in Lebanon Community Schools will forever remain...
Charity Sherard (Caldwell)
March 11, 2022
Favorite teacher by far. We always knew, when he would say “That is sufficient”, that he meant business and had had enough at that point. Enough funny business, as to say.
Chad sheets
March 11, 2022
Mr. Joyce was a remarkable teacher and all around mentor for many students. A lot of fond memories from his classroom at Lebanon Middle School.
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4925 West 16th. Street, Speedway, IN 46224
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