Thomas C. Brantley

Thomas Carl Brantley of Greenwood, Indiana, was born September 14, 1949 in Lima Ohio. Tom passed away November 9th 2024 surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by parents, Frank Thomas and Lola Catherine Brantley and brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Maria of Lima, Ohio, as well as brother-in-law Wallace Deaton of Lexington, KY, and great granddaughter Mylah of Indianapolis. 

Tom was a trombone player in high school, continuing this love into his military service with the US Army and National Guard. He was a student of Indiana Central College. He continued to serve his country as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service for 32 years. Tom also ran a boat cover business, bought and sold vehicles and property and did home repairs. By saving and smart investments, Tom amassed over 11 rental properties and a house on Lake Lemon, where he lived with his dutiful wife of 50 years, Sylvia Marie Brantley. Tom and Sylvia had many long-term tenants, a testament to their empathy and compassion.

Tom was an avid water-skier into his 70s and raced boats competitively. His love of fast boats, classic convertibles, motorcycles and traveling were shared, generously, with his family. He also developed a love of sports and wood working which he shared with his son, Thomas Wayne. Tom was a generous and trusting person, helping his family purchase property and vehicles and always ready for whatever physical labor would be helpful. He had two sayings he repeated to help those he loved, "Save 10 percent of all you earn." and "Show me who you run with and I'll show you who you are." 

Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Sylvia Marie Brantley of Greenwood, daughter, Meriann (Mike) Caldwell of Indianapolis, son Thomas Wayne Brantley of Ellettsville, grandchildren, Joey, Krysten, Autumn, Zoee and Cassandra and great grandchildren Conner, Lilliana, Alyvia, Jackson and Cassy. He is also survived by his sister, Wanda Deaton of Lexington, Ky and his chosen family of over 50 years Jack and Cindy Whitaker of Indianapolis. Their friendship and generosity to Tom and his family is appreciated beyond words. 

The family would like to express gratitude to the numerous health care workers who cared for Tom over the years and request that donations be made to Special Olympics Indiana in lieu of gifts or flowers.

A Celebration of Tom's Life will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at West Newton United Methodist Church, 6843 Mendenhall Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46221. Tom's service will begin at 4:30 followed by dinner at 5:30pm.

Please visit www.orileybranson.com to leave a memory of Tom or to sign the online register book.