Thomas "Tom" Lee Casburn

Thomas Lee Casburn, 76, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on February 26, 2026. He was born on February 18, 1950, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to parents Richard “Buck” Wendell Casburn and Elizabeth “Betty” Ellen (Archer) Casburn.

Tom grew up in Mt. Carmel, Illinois the second eldest of four brothers. The stories of these brothers are infamous throughout town, and chances are high, in Mt. Carmel, when you hear the last name Casburn a story or two comes to mind! Tom was a proud member of the graduating class of 1968 and was involved in football, track, and many pranks...if you know, you know! Upon graduation Tom attended some classes at Wabash Valley College before completing a bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland. Tom’s dream was to become an FBI agent, and for a time he was employed in D.C. with the FBI as an agent in training.

On June 30, 1973, Tom married Pamela June (Dallas) Casburn his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, with whom he shared many adventures. Together, they created a loving family welcoming their sons, Matthew and Brandon, who became a source of great pride and joy in Tom's life. As a Father, Tom was involved as the boys' sports coach, scout leader, and Sunday school teacher. It was through his love in action that Matt and Brandon experienced their dad as a Christ-follower, leader and example from which to model their own lives of active service.

Post his stint with the FBI, Tom came back to Illinois to work in the oil industry serving as a pipeline inspector for 22 years. His work ethic (inherited from his father Buck) was strong, and his commitment to safety and quality assurance in the industry earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers. In 1991 Tom moved his family to Findlay, Ohio for work. While in Findlay, Tom continued his community involvement through volunteering with youth football programs, church leadership at the First Baptist Church, and many hours volunteering for FFE show choir events.

After the passing of his wife (Pam) in 2011 and his retirement in 2017, Tom moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to be closer to family. Being a “Papaw” was one of Tom’s greatest joys in life, and his Grandkids gave him a new spark and purpose after the loss of Pam. He looked forward to any and every opportunity to spend time with them! Like any good Grandparent, he made it his mission to spoil those kids rotten!

The past nearly ten years Tom was involved with Grace Church as a “Grunt” at the Jordan YMCA church plant, and most recently as a greeter. Tom never met a stranger, and he was never without a good story to tell. Though he rarely smiled in pictures, his grin was always friendly and inviting. The Jordan YMCA was also his “post-retirement” career. He worked at the front desk faithfully where he was so much more than just the guy swiping a card and letting people into the building. He loved his job and the community that he was a part of at the Jordan Y. As his sons, we are forever grateful for that YMCA community as it gave him purpose and a place to belong.

Tom is survived by his sons, Matthew D. (Katy) Casburn and Brandon L. (Jenny) Casburn; his grandchildren Cora Casburn, Dublin Casburn, Wesley Casburn and Pippa Casburn; his brother, Bill (Laveta) Casburn, his nephew or “brother” Richard Lee (Sarah) Casburn; and his brother-in-law, Dave (Marjorie) Dallas. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pamela “Pam” (Dallas) Casburn; his parents; his mother and father-in-law Violet and W.C. “Dub” Dallas; his brothers, Richard (Paulette) Casburn and Tim Casburn; and his nephew, or “brother”, Joe Casburn.

A visitation for Tom will take place in Noblesville, Indiana, from 11am -1pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Grace Church, 5504 E 146th St, Noblesville, IN 46062, in the South Auditorium, with a funeral service immediately following at 1pm.

An additional visitation will take place in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, from 10am-12noon (CENTRAL TIME), on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home & Highland Memorial, 527 N Mulberry St, Mt Carmel, IL 62863. A graveside service will immediately follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery, in Mt. Carmel, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Grace Church at 5504 E 146th St, Noblesville, IN 46062.