Thomas "Tommy" Dooley

Thomas “Tommy” Dooley, 80, of Danville, passed away at home on Saturday, March 29, 2025. He was born August 2, 1944 in Dayton, Ohio, son of the late Thomas and Evelyn (Sumner) Dooley.

He grew up in Indianapolis, graduating from George Washington High School with the class of 1962. In October of 1965 Tommy joined the United States Army, attending Airborne School and becoming a member of the 101st Airborne Division. After his military service Tommy joined the Indianapolis Fire Department where he served his community for over 20 years. From there, he worked as a welder working on Indy race cars until he retired in 2006. He met his beloved "Basia" through mutual friends in 1999, and on June 21, 2001 they got married. 

Tommy enjoyed trips with the family and spending time on beautiful golf courses. He and his brother Bob would watch golf, football, basketball and FoxNews. One of his favorite places was in the garage, tinkering and working on projects with his son, Ben.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Barbara Dooley; children, Teresa West (J.R.), Kathy Cutright, Elizabeth Brown, and Ben Dooley; sister, Delores Caplinger and brother, Bob Dooley; also missing Tommy is his faithful companion and man’s-best-friend, Mirek. His absence will also be felt by a wide circle of family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Helton & Harris Funeral Home, 102 S. Indiana St., Danville, IN 46122. The funeral will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Military Honors at the Funeral Home. Celebration of life reception details to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to organizations supporting Pulmonary Fibrosis research or Veterans in need.

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