Thomas Wamsley
March 28, 1938 ~ February 1, 2018
Thomas Wamsley, 79, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at home February 1, 2018. Mr. Wamsley was born March 28, 1938, in Indianapolis, to the late Herbert and Alice (Swain) Wamsley.
Tom graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1956 and attended Purdue University. He was employed as a pressman for the Indianapolis Star/News for 16 years. Tom was also the co-owner of T.J.’s Race Weld. He retired from Sutton-Garten in 2012 after many years of employment. Tom was an automobile enthusiast who enjoyed restoring classic cars, racing three quarter midget cars, and attending car shows. He always looked forward to the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400. He was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church, where he was also a Eucharistic Minister. Tom’s memory will be forever cherished by a loving family and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-son, Richard A. Carr.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joyce (Soltis) Wamsley, to whom he was united in marriage in 1986; children, Martina (Billy) Rogers, Mark Thomas (Rachelle) Wamsley, and Mischel Rae (Joe) Weaver; stepchildren, Suzan M. (John) Steadham, Diane E. (Brian) Carr-Jones, Joanne E. (Kelly) Graham, William R. (Sharon) Carr, Joseph A. (Jennifer) Carr, and Ronald D. (Melanie) Carr; 20 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; two fur babies, Gracie and Papi.
Friends and family will gather from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, February 5, 2018, in St. Barnabas Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or to F.A.C.E. Low Cost Animal Clinic, 1505 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201. The Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Thank God for the memories He gives us as well as the time we have on this side of Heaven. Hugs and prayers for comfort and peace. Nancy
So sorry for your lose. Seeing Mr and Mrs. Wamsley at church, doing things side beside was a beautiful site.
My sympathy,
Sharon Spears
St Barnabas parishioner
So sorry to hear of Tom ‘s passing. Such a sweet man. Loved seeing the two of you TOGETHER sharing your faith, daily Mass and attendimg functions at St. Barnabas. Beautiful witness of love and kindness Prayers & lots of love, Donna Marie Williams St Barnabas
I had the great pleasure of working with Tom for many years at Sutton-Garten. He was one of the best auto mechanics and welder repairman I know. I learned so much from Tom. It seemed he could tell you what was wrong with a welder without even touching it. I was sad to hear of his passing, the world lost one of the greatest here. Wish I could have talked with him just one more time. I regret not stopping by to see him. R. I. P my great friend, Bob.
Tom and I grew up in the same neighbor, on the north side of Indianapolis. We were the typical boys. What one didn’t think of to do, the other one always did. We had great times. We stayed in touch through the years. How we enjoyed going to races and car shows. With Tom was always a good time, So sorry, we didn’t have more time. Love and miss you, buddy. Rex
Worked with Tom for many years. He was a good man, a great mechanic, and a great mentor to me. He will be missed.