Thomas J. "Tom the Barber" Smith

On January 12, 2024, Jesus escorted Thomas Joseph “Tom the Barber“ Smith, 80, home. Tom was a beacon in this world for God’s love. He was a devout catholic, eucharistic minister and 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. For several years Tom and a group of fellow catholic men would meet on Friday morning for the Bob Evans bible club. He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone he met with a sweet smile and a boisterous laugh. His joy for this life was contagious. He brought God’s love wherever he went.

Tom was born on March 29, 1943 to Ralph and Marjorie Smith. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1961. After graduation, he earned his barber license and has been a barber on the southside ever since. Tom owned Tom’s Barber Shop on the southside of Indianapolis and has been cutting hair for over 60 years. Many generations of men were loyal clients right up to the day he died.

Tom’s clients supported him as his health declined and his hours decreased. They enjoyed their visits to his barber chair, not just for a haircut, but for discussion, laughter and even tears. The kids were eager to see “Tom the Barber” and receive a sucker as a reward. Tom was a kind, giving, supporting boss for many young men encouraging them to work hard. He taught by example - integrity, love, kindness, generosity, and fellowship - to his family, many friends and employees.

His love for life and his family was evident when he spoke of his beloved wife, Madonna Rose Smith, of 50 years. Tom and Madonna were married on August 3, 1963. They were high school sweethearts. Madonna preceded him in death on January 31, 2014 nearly 10 years ago. His heart was broken, but he stayed strong in faith as an example for his children and grandchildren. He never missed weekly mass. Every evening you would find him in his prayer chair praying the rosary and his nightly prayers for all those he loved. He longed for his turn to enter the heavenly gates and reunite with his one true love, Madonna.

Tom and Madonna raised three children and twelve grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Richard and Philip Smith. Tom is survived by his daughters, Lisa Smith Taylor (John), and Jeannine Smith; son, Thomas Smith (Beth); grandchildren, Jessi, Joe, Maria, Kenna and Maddi Taylor, Corbin, Cameron, and Casey Smith, Paige, Meghan, Rachel and Grace Pretti; great-grandson, Landon Pretti; many grand dogs, Hank, Walter, Sadie, Charlie, Holli, Willow, Oliver, Puppy, Sadie, and Voodoo; and siblings, Mike (Diane) Smith, Linda (Dave) Dunn and Ralph (Teresa) Smith. 

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 17 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the O’Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, where a morning prayer will be said on Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 18 at 10 a.m.  in Saint Barnabas Church, 8300 Rahke Road.  His final resting place will be Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Saint Barnabas Church for Masses or general donations, 8300 Rahke Road, Indianapolis, IN 46217.

Visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.