Tommy Eugene Knoch

Tommy Knoch, age 67, born on August 13, 1958, and passed away on February 3, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Tommy was a devoted husband, loving father, proud papaw, and cherished friend. He was a card-playing man through and through — he’d bet it all, trust his instincts, and somehow always came out winning double. He loved being outside on his scooter, running his flea market booth, and finding other people’s junk and turning it into his own cash. He had an eye for a deal and a gift for making something out of nothing.

Sundays often meant Indianapolis Colts football, and he loved cheering on his favorite team. He also had a fondness for his Hot Damn, something many will smile at remembering. Tommy never met a stranger and could talk to anyone.

He had a special place in his heart for his beloved cat, Star, who brought him comfort and companionship. Tommy also shared deep love and close bonds with his mother-in-law, Nancy Young, and father-in-law, Jesse Young, both of whom preceded him in death and meant the world to him. He deeply loved his mother, Ruth Blair, and often spoke of wanting to be reunited with her in heaven.

Above all else, Tommy loved his family. We often joked that he loved his grandkids more than anyone — and truthfully, that wasn’t much of a joke. His love for them was deep, unconditional, and unmistakable. Tommy had the prettiest blue eyes — eyes full of warmth, strength, and a lifetime of stories.

Tommy is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Norma Knoch; his daughters Theresa Wilson, Doris Lovelady, Vera Knoch, and Nancy Lake; his sisters Carolyn Schilling and Cathy Smith; and his brother David Burton; grandchildren Thomas Fugate, Christopher Wilson, Jerry Culvahouse Jr., Brandon Wilson, Valencia Emmelman, Victoria Rico, and Vanessa Emmelman; and his great-grandchildren Lillyonna Fugate, Camille Foxworthy, Cash Foxworthy, and Brandon Wilson, all of whom he adored.

Tommy is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Blair; his fathers; Clarence Knoch and Leonard Mathis; brothers Andy Knoch and David Mathis; and in-laws Nancy Young and Jesse Young.

Though our hearts were not ready to let him go, we find comfort knowing Tommy is no longer in pain and is now at peace. If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever.