Thomas E. Shine
July 5, 1954 ~ August 14, 2023
Thomas E. Shine, 69, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on August 14, 2023. Tom was born in Southport, Indiana, to the late Don & Mary Ann Shine on July 5, 1954. Tom graduated from Southport High School. Tom worked as a Video Coordinator for Fed-Ex for over 30 years. Tom married the love of his life, Merlin, on November 10, 1983. They would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year. Tom could often be found walking down Stop 11 Road with his forever 4-legged buddy, Koby, picking up trash and making the neighborhood a better place. Tom loved family get together and even acquired the nickname “The Phantom”, as he would disappear without notice. He was a wonderful husband and father, and he loved his grandchildren, Austin, Vera, and Baker, more than life itself. Tom enjoyed helping others and was a self-made handyman. He could fix anything around the house. His work ethic was unmatched. He often would head out with his lawn mower and take care of his neighbors’ lawn. He also enjoyed riding his Gold Wing motorcycle. Music was a big part of Tom’s life. He enjoyed playing piano and drums.
Tom is survived by his wife; Merlin Shine, children; Dan (Stacee) Church Jr. and Brittany (Ryan) Clark, grandchildren; Austin (Taylor) Church and Vera Clark, great-granddaughter; Baker Church, and siblings; Daniel (Karen) Shine, Mike Shine, and Donnie (Ginnie) Shine, Debbie (Duane) Huffines and Bill (Maureen) Shine, along with his faithful Golden Retriever, Koby.
Tom’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be held at O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46237. Visitation will be Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 10:00am at St. Mark Catholic church (535 E. Edgewood Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Visit www.OrileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory of Tom, or to sign the online guest registry.
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Tom was a great Santa for our daughter.
Tom photographed our kids when they were little and we still cherish those captured moments!!! Tom also photographed my moms 60th birthday party. He was so funny, kind, and truly loved others. I will miss him !! Sending love to Merlin, Britt, Dan, and Family.
I worked with Tom for 24 of the 30 years he worked at FedEx.
One of a kind. The word Gentleman doesn’t even come close to his kindness and polite demeanor. I enjoyed the time I spent with Tom.
I worked at FedEx with Tom. We shared July 5th as our birthday. A wonderful person, great photographer and videographer.
Tom was the perfect neighbor–friendly, welcoming, always offering help. I admired how patient and dedicated he was with his dogs when they needed extra attention and saw how much he cared about his family. He and Merlin are the anchors of the cul-de-sac. They make it a community and a home. We are all going to miss him very much.
I never saw Tom without a smile on his face. A truly kind person. Prayers of comfort for his family
Tom and Merlin in our younger days forever cherished ❤
There wasn’t a neighbor that didn’t experience his help and kindness. I have a disability and for over 30 years Tom made a huge impact on my day to day struggles which made my life easier. He will be greatly missed.
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tom. He was a Wonderful person and I have many fond memories of him. He covered the JDRF walks for Fedex. And reported great news and events for our company. He took some really great pictures too. I Thank the Lord I had the priveledge to know Him!
Rest in peace my old friend been a lot of years since we ran around good ol’ boy
Tom you were more than just Video Coordinator for Fed-Ex you were the Eyes of the Hub w/all photos you took. Such a great person always had a smile
For
US ALL @ the Hub.
May you Rest in Peace Tom. God Bless your FAMILY.
Best neighbor and friend ever. Always had a smile. RIP Tom
Praying for your family I enjoyed working with Tom at FedEx
I worked with Tom for 15 years at FedEx. He was always a joy to be around. Every year, our VP would treat us to a Steak & Lobster dinner. Tom and I would always make a switch. I’d give him my lobster and he’d give me his steak. A great trade we thought. And every time he’d have to run an errand, he’d bring me back a strawberry milkshake from Steak & Shake. He was just so thoughtful that way. He also took the pictures at our wedding. He was one terrific fellow.
I met Tom at FedEx & he was such a kind & wonderful person.
He took time on several occasions
to get pictures of the planes with my grandkids’ names & he took lots of pictures when I retired. I considered him a good friend among the many I made there over the years. R.I.P. Tom.
Our hearts are heavy with sadness that you have gone home so unexpectedly and we will miss you greatly
Until wr meet again my friend,
God speed!
Dottie Frazee
Tom was always a joy to be around and one of the best neighbors one could ever ask for. He was a father figure to my son and a huge help to my mom. He’ll be greatly missed. My most sincere condolences to Merlin and family.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss! My parents adored Don and Mary Ann and so did I! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all!❤️
Tom made a difference in my life. We worked together at FedEx for some years, many years ago until I moved. He always had a smile to lift your mood. I never in 10+ years being around him saw him in a bad mood. He absolutely loved what he did and he did it so well. He made our work more important taking photos and shooting film and he honored us with his work. I am so grateful for knowing him.
Just like so many others here are also mentioning – Tom will always be remembered by me for his genuine positivity and kindhearted nature. Always smiling, always willing to help. My memories from 20 years at FedEx will always include him when I think back of the all the amazing people I made friends with and enjoyed working with. He was always willing to help in various ways, including taking great pictures of our various operational teams. But I will always be most grateful for his time and effort placed into putting together the video shown at our wedding reception using the family pics/music I gave him, a surprise to my wife on our wedding day. He refused any payment. I absolutely loved Tom. Someone who truly had a servant’s heart.
I worked with Tom at FedEx. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed prayers to your family. I will keep you in my thoughts at this most difficult time rest in peace Tom.
Bob and I loved to see Tom when he ushered at St. Barnabas. He was always smiling and so much fun. I was shocked this morning when I heard at Mass that Tom had passed away. I remember when our daughter, Sue, gave him homemade chocolates at Christmas and them we made up gifts for his wife’s clients with chocolate and bells. He was one of the good guys. I lost Bob last February, so I can share your sorrow. May God bless all of you as you mourn this great man.
So sorry to hear about Tom, I hired him at Stabe Inn ( and think talked him out of Viet Nam) . He worked for me both there and Steak and Ale. I ran into him years later when he was at Fed Ex and I at Second Helpings. I was glad to see how well he turned out. Great guy!
We were 20. We drove to Austin with my guitar and his drum kit in the back seat of his old Falcon in the middle of January. Got an apartment and jobs and drank lone star and ate Mexican food and saw the Flying Burrito Brothers. Turned 21 on Lake Travis. We had a time. Thanks, Tom.
Prayers and blessings for one of the good guys at FedEx. I enjoyed working with and being associated with Tom. Loved sharing stories about our dogs. And helping him out on occasion in the video room. Prayers to his family and friends.
God bless you dear Tommy I’m so sorry Merlin, Danny, Brittany & family. May eternal rest be granted unto you & may His perpetual light shine upon you ️ May you rest in peace. Welcome to paradise Tommy ☦️ forever in my heart