FRANKLIN
Thomas Lowell Johnson, 76, passed away on August 3, 2017 at Community Hospital South following a three-year battle against lung cancer and other illnesses.
Thomas leaves his wife of 53 years, Carol Lynn (Gerdt) Johnson; his sons, Thomas, Bryan and David Johnson; daughter-in-law, Lori Johnson; his brother, Dr. David W. Johnson; seven grandchildren, Mason, Bailey, Cody, Jesse, Grace, Hunter and Riley; sisters-in-law, Peggy and Phyllis, brothers-in-law, Doug and Gary; many nieces and nephews; extended family and close friends.
Born in Indianapolis, the son of Lowell and Theodora Johnson, he was a lifelong resident of the Indianapolis, Greenwood and Franklin areas.
In his early years as a young adult, after graduating from Emmerich Manual High School, Thomas began his two years of service to our country in the United States Navy, where he enjoyed traveling to many places and growing into a strong young man.
After returning home, he soon met the person he knew he would marry, Carol. After dating for two years, they were married and began their family.
Thomas then decided, with encouragement and support from his father-in-law, Carl Gerdt, to join the Indianapolis Police Department, where he served the Indianapolis community for 20 years alongside his wife and many great friends and colleagues as a lieutenant.
During his service on IPD, he went to Indiana University in the evenings and completed his Bachelors of Science degree with majors in criminal justice and psychology.
He was instrumental in helping write and implement the laws and procedures in place today that protect the children of Indianapolis.
After retiring from IPD, Thomas began his second career as a nursery owner and landscaper.
Green Thumb Nursery was operated and managed by Thomas and Carol with their three sons. He worked in this field for many years before retiring into his third career as a real estate broker/agent.
Tom had a passion for his family, and was a protector. His background made him a very tough man, but those that were close to him knew how much he loved them. He kept his family close and valued the time he had with each of them.
He enjoyed traveling to Florida and many other places and spending time at the family cabin in Brown County with his wife and family for many years.
We will miss him as a loving and faithful husband, one of the best fathers, a caring grandfather, fun uncle, and loyal friend.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at noon at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1977 S. State Road 135, Greenwood. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.forestlawncemetery-fh.com.
