Thomas George Prall

1942 - 2025

Thomas George Prall passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, in Naples, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 23, 1942, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Worden and Margaret Prall.

Tom spent his early years in Martinsville, Indiana, where his childhood was filled with fishing, riding bikes, mushroom hunting and playing nearly every sport. American Legion Baseball was his true love, coached by his dad and played alongside his older brother, Fred. The family later moved to Columbus, Indiana, where he graduated from Columbus High School in 1961.

Tom went on to graduate from Indiana University, working several jobs to pay his tuition. While at IU, he served as president of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and proudly rode in the Little 500. Most importantly, IU is where he met the love of his life, Lillian Christ of Gary, IN. Tom and Lillian married on February 25, 1967 and shared 58 years of marriage.

A passionate fan of IU Football, Basketball, and Baseball, Tom remained a devout supporter of IU Athletics through his final days, a passion he shared with his entire family. He loved the banter and recruiting news shared with his brother, Jerry.

Shortly after graduation, anticipating being drafted into the Army as his draft number approached, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Honoring a pact made with his best friend, Phil Jones. Tom completed training at Quantico before deploying to Vietnam, where he was quickly promoted to First Lieutenant. His service shaped him profoundly, fostering lifelong respect for his fellow Marines and a deep devotion to his country. Tom was wounded in combat, awarded a Purple Heart, and was discharged, allowing him to return home to his two-month-old son, Richard. Eighteen months later, Tom and Lillian welcomed their daughter, Susie.

Following his military service, Tom worked for RCA before beginning his real estate career with Carpenter Company Realtors in Indianapolis. He soon purchased the company of 20 agents and guided it through decades of growth, including affiliations with Century 21 and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. During his career, Tom served as president of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors (MIBOR) and was a widely admired and respected leader within the real estate industry. In 2005, confident in the strength of the organization, Tom established Carpenter Realtors as an independent brokerage.

Under his leadership, Carpenter Realtors grew into one of the largest and most successful real estate firms in the Midwest with over 800 agents, comprising 30 branches across 15 counties. After achieving this scale, Tom ensured long-term stability by thoughtfully designing an employee-owned ownership structure, preserving independence and opportunity for generations to come.

Tom believed that leadership carried a responsibility to serve others, particularly individuals experiencing homelessness. His longstanding support of Gennesaret Free Health Clinics reflected this belief. Through Carpenter Realtors' charitable initiatives, millions of dollars have been contributed over the past three decades, reminding Carpenter's agents that they work for

a higher purpose. These accomplishments were made possible through the dedication and loyalty of countless agents, managers, staff, and vendors whom Tom respected deeply throughout his 46 years of leadership.

Perhaps the traits that drew people most to Tom were his authenticity and unique sarcasm. Success never changed him. He remained approachable, grounded, and deeply loyal to those around him.

Above all, Tom loved his family. He purchased Bare Bottom Lake in Nashville, IN so extended family and friends could gather. Fishing, swimming, rope swings, bonfires and legendary Thanksgiving feasts created lasting memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Dan and Bill (also a Vietnam Veteran). He is survived by his loving wife, Lillian; his son, Richard (Kelly); and his daughter, Susie Sommer (Juergen); his brothers Fred, Jerry, and Joe; his sisters Peggy Weddle and Rosemary Prall; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins with whom he shared close bonds. His grandsons, Tommy and Noah Sommer and Cooper Prall, love him dearly and honor his legacy.

Semper Fi, Bubs. You will never be forgotten.

Friends may call from 1:00 pm until the service time at 3:00 pm, Monday, December 22, 2025 at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1605 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46143. He will be laid to rest with military honors on Tuesday, December 23rd at 11:00am at New South Park Cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gennesaret Free Clinics at: Gennesaretfreeclinics-bloom.kindful.com.