Thomas “Tom” Earl Johnson, 76, of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away on September 24, 2026. He was born December 13, 1949, in Newton, Illinois, to Cloyce and Barbara “Bobbie” Johnson.

Tom grew up in Lawrenceville, Illinois, where he developed a lifelong love of sports, competition, and people. A talented three-sport athlete in high school, he played football, basketball, and baseball. He was a highly recruited athlete, and his basketball talent even caught the eye of legendary coach Bob Knight, who recruited Tom to play basketball at West Point. However, he chose to stay closer to home and accepted a scholarship to play football at University of Southern Illinois.

After graduation, Tom went on to have a successful career as a civilian accountant working for the United States Army. He spent the vast majority of his career working at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis. He also earned his master’s degree in business from Ball State University.

On April 1, 1988 (appropriately, April Fool’s Day), Tom married Crystal. Together, they built a life filled with family, friends, laughter, and many memorable years.

Tom was a man who never knew a stranger. He had a natural ability to make people feel welcome and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was always willing to help and had a great sense of humor that often brought a smile to those around him.

He had a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs, and was happiest around his two beloved pups. He also enjoyed watching birds and wildlife in his backyard, working on projects around the house, watching movies, playing and coaching sports, and following his favorite teams, the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers.

Tom will be remembered for his competitive spirit, sense of humor, generosity, and willingness to help others. While he accomplished much during his life, his greatest legacy will be the people and animals he loved and the many lives he touched.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Crystal Johnson; his son, Brian Johnson and his wife, Erica; his stepdaughter, Lynna and her husband, Chad Bauerle; his older brother, Dr. Lawrence L. Johnson; his two dogs; and his four granddogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cloyce and Barbara Johnson.

A memorial gathering for Tom will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., with a service immediately following at 2:30pm, on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan - Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Misty Eyes Animal Center in Avon, Indiana (online here or mail to Misty Eyes Animal Center - P.O. Box 1202, Brownsburg, Indiana 46112).

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