January 14, 1952 – July 15, 2022
On Friday, July 15, 2022, Thomas J. Gartland, loving father and Papa, passed away in his sleep at the age of 70 in the comfort of home with his family.
Thom was born January 14, 1952, in Marion, Ind., to Constance and Francis X. Gartland, Jr.
He was a man of strong values, committed to faith, family and friends, a motivator with a contagious laugh and the life of every party. His compassion, dedication, patience, and enthusiasm made him a wonderful son, father, friend, businessman, coach, and golfer. He was actively involved in the Catholic church, serving as an altar boy at St. Paul’s Church in Marion and as a eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Patrick’s churches in Arizona.
A proud graduate of the University of Arizona and member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Thom carried on the family legacy in the foundry business out in Arizona where he could play golf year-round. He worked for Porter Warner Industries for 35 years – known for dedication to his teams, clients, friends and showing up for anyone who needed him. A member of the American Foundry Society, he was also the Chapter Chairman of the Desert Chapter.
Thom was the most devoted, amazing, and loving father. He took so much pride as the guiding light in raising his two daughters, Ashley and Molly. His deep love for them was evident as he always put them first and supported them in their every pursuit, believing in them more than they believed in themselves. He loved coaching Ashley in softball and Molly in basketball, participating in every Dad’s Club, and attending every father-daughter event he could. As a coach and organization leader for the Arizona Hotshots Softball teams, he impacted countless lives daily leading to DI scholarships for many young women, including Ashley. Thom genuinely cared about each community his girls were involved in and always made others feel comfortable in who they are.
Thom fought hard against Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, defying odds in his later years and was an active member of the Rock Steady Boxing and Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center communities. In lieu of flowers, please join us in donating to Parkinson’s and Lewy Body specific research at IU neurology here: myiu.org/one-time-gift, and in the gift box area type “Alzheimer’s Disease Research in Neurology.” Once you click through, please note it in memory of Thom Gartland. For memorial donation by mail, send to IU School of Medicine, P.O. Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072 (payable to IU Foundation – IU School of Medicine, and in the memo line please write: Alzheimer’s Disease Research in Neurology – in memory of Thomas Gartland).
Thom was preceded in death by his father, Francis X. Gartland, Jr., and his mother, Constance Carter Gartland. He is survived by his two daughters, Molly Gartland and Ashley (Chris) Medlock; their mother, Tina Mills Gartland; and his two grandchildren, Declan Medlock and Sloane Medlock. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael (Victoria) Gartland, Francis “X” (Judee) Gartland III, Patrick (Janice) Gartland, and Joseph (Melissa) Gartland; and his sister Mary (Ron) Vielee.
We hope you will join us in resort casual dress to celebrate Thom’s life and legacy on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Funeral services will be at Holy Spirit Parish at Geist, 10350 Glaser Way, Fishers:
- Visitation at 10:30 a.m.
- Funeral mass at 11:30 a.m.
- Lunch will be provided immediately following in the Social Hall
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the same day at River Glen Country Club, 12010 Clubhouse Drive, Fishers, to gather in fellowship to share stories and memories.
Condolences: randallroberts.com