Obituary for Thomas Edward Shannon
December 28, 1941 – August 13, 2017
Thomas Edward Shannon was born December 28, 1941; the youngest child of Harvey Shannon Sr. and Lorine Cook Shannon in Springfield, Tennessee. In 1946, Thomas moved with his family to Indianapolis, Indiana where the family joined in both fellowship and membership with the New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. Thomas professed Christ and was baptized by the late Reverend Starks. He also sang in the church choir. Thomas attended Crispus Attucks High School before following the lead of his brother, Harvey Jr. who was in the US Army. However, Thomas enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After serving in the USMC, Thomas returned to Indianapolis to unite in marriage with his then girlfriend, Mary Louise Tarvin. To that union, Lisa Marie and Lori Ann were born.
Thomas began to fulfill his passion for local politics. Thomas worked for several state agencies before joining the Department of Administration under the late Indiana Governor, Roger Branigan. During that time he also served as President of the Center Township Young Democrats. He work...[more]
tirelessly on the campaign to elect Senator Birch Bayh and subsequently President John F. Kennedy. He developed friendships with the local and state politicians, including Representatives Andrew Jacobs and Julia Carson.
Thomas also had a passion for singing. He, along with long-time friends Paul Weeden, Leroy Harper and Raymond Smith, formed a doo – wop band. They performed throughout the city to the woos of the young ladies.
In the mid 1970’s, Thomas met, dated and married Deanna Freeman. He then took on the responsibility of a blended family, raising two wonderful young children, Valda and Aaron Freeman. Thomas continued his passion for local politics. In 2002 he was elected precinct committeeman in his neighborhood and State Convention Delegate for the Democratic Party in the 28th ward and 42nd District. He worked the voting polls, he rallied for and against whatever the community stood for or against at any given time. Thomas was a true community advocate.
He also blossomed as an artist. He sculpted and constructed hundreds of ceramic art pieces and his home on North Emerson doubled as an art studio and display showcase.
Thomas and Deanna shared a 30+ year marriage. At the age of 21, Deanna was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and Thomas became the ultimate caregiver of Deanna until she passed in 2005. Thomas suffered an aneurism in the early 2000’s which led to multiple extended hospital and health care facility stays. Even while in the nursing facilities, Thomas was a self - proclaimed advocate for both patients and caregivers alike. Although he was a force to be reckoned with, his caregivers often spoke fondly of “Mr. Shannon” with some holding a true affection for him.
Thomas passed this earthly life on Sunday August 13, 2017 at 3:30 pm. He was preceded in death by his wife, Deanna Freeman Shannon, his son Aaron Freeman, his parents, his brother, William Shannon (Edna) and his beloved sister, Janie Bell Shannon Wallace.
He leaves to cherish his memories three daughters, Lisa Shannon Bracey (Eric), Lori Shannon Clark (Greg), and Valda Freeman Karmo (Lahai); 9 Grandchildren; Kara, Kelli, Brandon, Kiera, Gregory, Kori, Adama, Aaron and Anson; 6 Great-grandchildren; brothers, Theodore (Judy-deceased) and Harvey Jr (Ruby) sisters, Bridgette (Nathaniel) Smalls (Savannah, GA.) and Kimberly Foy (Georgia); a host of brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.
“I have only loved two women in my life….. and I married both of them” – Thomas Edward Shannon
Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery
Indianapolis, IN 46208
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