Thomas J. "Tom the Barber" Smith
March 29, 1943 ~ January 12, 2024
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.
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Tom was always a fun person to engage during the time that I visited his barber shop, not only his efforts in doing a good job, but the always ongoing banter of entertainment he engaged in. Having said, I’ll never forget the fact, for the two years after my Dad had his stroke, that Tom would go to my parents’ house and regularly cut my Dad’s hair. And, typical Tom, he hadn’t even informed me for some time after he had started his barber visits to my parents’ house that he was doing so. Such a blessed person!!
My time knowing Tommy goes back many, many years! Madonna and I went to school together at St John’s and the year they decided to close the school we were all invited to the prom. My husband to be and I double dated with Tommy and Madonna. In later years we went to some dances together with Madonna’s sister Maryanne and her husband Don. Those were good times. But over the years we all got busy with life and we sort of lost touch. But we all have our memories and I will always keep Tommy and Madonna in mine. Sorry for the loss his family feels but happy he is with his love, Madonna!
Lee Belcher has purchased Sympathy Garden for Thomas J. “Tom the Barber” Smith
Dear Tom, may God, and your loving family, friend’s, clients, classmates, who’ve preceded you in heaven welcome a super great, kind, loving man, home with them. From a client that only recently met you and brother to a high-school acquaintance. BOOM BOOM, Welcome home Tom. God Bless you and your family.
Like so many, I meet Tom when looking for a Barber. This was back in 1978. No one else has cut my hair since then. We all know he was a good Barber, but Tom became a close friend that also cut my hair. Visited the shop often and sometimes got my hair cut. Always got a good laugh, fun disagreements, and a few tear jerkers. He loved his wife, kids, grand-kids and family – talking of them often. He was very proud of them all. Was blessed to have spent time with this wonderful, thoughtful person that not only touched me, but so very many. He will be missed.
I went to grade school with Tommy and Madonna at St. Ann’s. I also lived next door to Madonna before we started school. She was my first best friend. When we married my husband and I lived in a double next to Tommy and Madonna for a couple of years. And by the way, we both married Smith’s (no relation). Tommy gave my son his first haircut on their kitchen table. So many years remembered of these two wonderful people and their families. So sorry to the family for their loss., but Tommy has joined his forever love, Madonna.
Chuck and Shandra Roach Family has purchased Sympathy Garden for Thomas J. “Tom the Barber” Smith
I have known Tom for over 40 years. He cut my hair just the way my wife wanted him to cut it. He and I had many conversations between 8am and 8:30am when he opened his barbershop. We loved talking to each other.
I knew when he went to the hospital the last time that he was not coming back to his shop.
I have missed him since the last time he cut my hair and always will. He was a great person.
Goodbye my good friend. You will be missed by many loving customers, family, and friends.
My trips to your shop were most enjoyable and educational and I will miss them.
I am happy that you have been reunited with Madonna and you are finally pain free.
You were truly a loving family man and prayerful person who I admired.
My 50+ year relationship with your Dad was not unusual—many other men shared our experience. I will miss our chats while getting my haircut. I feel like I got to know his family and their life journey—may you all take solace in how much he was respected for the man he was.
Dan & LJI Wealth Management has purchased Sympathy Garden for Thomas J. “Tom the Barber” Smith
So very sorry to Lisa and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a gem. He cut my hubbys hair for a very long time,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles O’Reilly has purchased Cherished Dreams for Thomas J. “Tom the Barber” Smith
Love you! Paige and Lydia has purchased Peace Lily for Thomas J. “Tom the Barber” Smith
To know Tom was to love him! I became Tom’s neighbor a couple of years ago, and little did I know what a special friend he would become. He loved to share his wisdom and love of God with me, his love of his dear wife Madonna, and the many years of memories they had together. His love of his children and grandchildren, along with all the love he shared with so many people, along with the many stories of a life fully-lived in the barbershop. He warmed my heart every day with his sweet, gentle way, and I will dearly miss his big smile, the twinkle in his eye and his quick, funny sense of humor. May the strength and comfort of God’s love and those around you bring you peace. I wish there were more “Toms” in the world.
Dear Lisa, Paul and I remember you and your Dad when he would bring you to Brownsburg. He was a very special man and our son, Craig, respected him very much. So very sorry for your loss of a wonderful Dad.
So sorry to see go, my friend. But now you are truly healed. I truly enjoyed our spirited discussions about our shared faith in Jesus for over the past 20-25 years along with our friend, Ted. The three of us had great fun teasing each other every other Thursday mornings at 8. Ted & I will truly miss you. I guess I will now have cut my own hair, all both of them. Until we meet again.
Your friend
A True legend. Rest in Heaven, buddy.