Thomas Leroy Woodburn Sr.

Mr. Thomas L. Woodburn, Sr. died peacefully at Compassus Hospice Care on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 78.

Thomas is survived by his 3 children: Thomas L. Woodburn, Jr. (Jill), of Bicknell, IN; Dawn A. Sharkey, (Richard) of Colorado Springs, CO; TerriAnn L. Woodburn of Indianapolis, IN; 5 Grandchildren: Denzale Jennings (Carlie), Ian Sharkey, Tucker Woodburn, Jacob Sharkey, and Tyrese Woodburn; 1 Great Grandchild: Vera Jo Jennings; 3 Sisters: Shirley Beckett of Philadelphia, PA, Alebralee (Winnie) Porter of Elkto, MD, Florence Carter Beckett of Cameron, NC; 3 Sister-In Laws: Carol Searles (Sam),of  Merrimack, NH, Judith Gamble, of Blackwood, NJ, and Jacqueline Newlin, of Chester, PA,  2 Brothers:  Robert (Bobby) Owens, of West Chester, PA and Accem John Scott, of  Pittsfield, MA, . He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years JoAnn E. Woodburn, Father Ralph T. Woodburn, and Mothers Mary Louise Beckett, and Bertha Woodburn, Brothers: Vincent A. Scott, and Michael V. Lee. Sister: Gloria Gadson. Grandchild: Raeanne Jennings.

Thomas L Woodburn, Sr. was born to Mary Louise Becket in West Chester, PA on April 21, 1944, and raised by Ralph T. Woodburn and Bertha Woodburn: John Scott, Jr. and Delores Scott. He graduated from West Chester High School in 1963. He married his Sweetheart JoAnn in August of 1964 and went on to serve in the Marines that same year, and then to serve in the Air Force in 1968. While serving in the military, and moving from base-to-base  Thomas was not only a dedicated Father of three and a devoted husband, but always showed true work ethic by working various additional jobs to support his family. Thomas retired from the Air Force in 1982, then retired Civil Service 11 years later.

Thomas devoted his life sharing his love for many hobbies, including, restoring vintage cars and fishing. He absolutely loved sports but his favorite was football, and he was a big Philadelphia Eagles fan. He was also known as the neighborhood Grill master, opening up his kitchen to whoever had a good appetite. He would always use the term “Stinkin up the Neighborhood” with the fabulous aroma of his famous barbeque. Thomas never met a stranger and was friendly to all he came to meet. Thomas was full of love for all members of his family, including dear friends both far and near. He loved his Children and Grandchildren, bonding with them each individually in his own special way.

Thomas was so full of love for life and this showed in every moment he lived. As a man of faith he lead his love for the Lord by example, always sharing a word of the gospel and showing his stewardship as an acting member serving as an usher and Head Trustee of Wayman AME Church. As his life came to a close and without a doubt Thomas knew where he was going. We can just hear the Lord whisper sweetly in his ear. “Take your rest my Good and Faithful Servant.”

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 7, 2023, at Flowers-Leedy and Allen Funeral Home, 105 West Third St., Peru, IN 46970 from 9am-10am. The service begins at 10am-12pm leaving for burial following promptly at 12pm-12:30pm, burial service will begin at 1pm.at the Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E. 38th St., Marion, IN 46953. Repass to follow at Wayman AME Church, located at 201 E. 3rd Peru, IN 46970. Rev. Maurice Reed, Rev. Annettia Brooks-Rankin, and a representative will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Thomas’s life. Flowers are welcomed. Please send donations to Wayman AME Church, 201 E. 3rd  Peru, IN 46970. Condolences can be sent to info@flowersleedyallen.com. The family would like to thank Wayman AME Church for the food donations, blessings, and prayers. Additionally, we would like to thank all our friends and family for the shower of love during our time of need.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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