Thomas Lee Templeton

May 30, 1936 – February 28, 2025

Thomas Lee Templeton, 88, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully, on Friday, February 28, 2025. Tom was born May 30, 1936, in Anderson, Ind., to Herbert and Edythe (Stiner) Templeton.

Tom and his devoted wife Virginia were married for 67 ½ years. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle; he is survived by his wife, Virginia, his four children, Gregory Templeton (Helen), Scot Templeton (Vickie), Tamara Coomer (Mark), and Thomas Templeton (Tamara); six grandchildren, Ryan (Victoria), Matthew (Jessica), Sasha (Eric), Cassandra (Joey), Megan (Dustin), and Kyle (Ashtin); 15 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Ingrid Templeton; and his special nephew, Dave Nadler (MarySue) and nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Herb Templeton.

Tom graduated from Anderson High School (1953), completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Ball State University (1957), and his Master of Science Degree in Education from Indiana University (1965). He held many licenses including those for Language Arts, Speech and Hearing, Principal and Director of Special Education.

Tom’s professional career began by teaching in Flint Michigan Public Schools as a Speech and Hearing Therapist in 1957. In 1959, Tom started the Speech and Hearing Therapy Program at MSD Perry Township, then became the Director of Special Education and developed the RISE Program for children with special education needs, becoming the RISE Learning Program Director encompassing three Marion County townships, MSD Perry, MSD Franklin, MSD Decatur, and Beech Grove.

In 1973, Tom joined Indianapolis Public Schools as the Principal of Cold Springs School. This was the largest school in the nation at that time, for special education students. In 1986, Tom took the role as Principal of John Marshall Jr. High School, transitioning the school from a high school. In 1988, Tom was the Asst. Principal at Merle Sidener Jr. High until his retirement in 1992.

Tom served on many professional boards throughout his career including President for the Indiana Federation Council for Exceptional Children, President of Indiana Special Olympics Board of Directors, Chairman of Central Indiana Mental Health Planning Commission, Chairman ISTA Special Education Division and Secretary for the Indiana Council of Administration for Special Education.

In addition, Tom was honored and recognized with many awards for his service which included the Governor’s Commission on Handicapped and Boss of the Year from the American Business Women Association.

Tom’s interests included playing cards, working on small engines, rehabbing housing properties, raising beagles for field trials, hunting, fishing, traveling, camping, and attending grandchildren’s after school activities. Family will always hold precious memories at their Raccoon Lake cabin.

Visitation for Tom was held March 7, 2025 at Little and Sons Funeral Home, 4901 E Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, Indiana. Additional visitation was held Saturday morning, March 8, 2025 followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11am. Burial at Anderson Memorial Park, 6805 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson, IN 46013 immediately followed the services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Indiana Special Olympics.