Thomas Roy Allison, 94, of Marion, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 10:23 pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Marion Health. He was born on June 25, 1931, in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, to L. Earl and C. Alice (Dumond) Allison. On August 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Connie Westurn, with whom he shared 64 years of devotion, partnership, and adventure.
Tom graduated from Jersey Shore High School and later attended Eastern Pilgrim College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He proudly served four years in the United States Air Force before working at Piper Aircraft. Determined and hardworking, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree and teaching certification, beginning a 32‑year career as an elementary teacher with the Jersey Shore School System. He was a gifted educator. He was patient, encouraging, and deeply invested in his students. Many returned over the years to thank him for the impact that he made on their lives.
A man of steadfast faith, Tom was a longtime member of Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, where he volunteered faithfully and participated in men’s ministry groups. He was also an active member of The Gideons International. Together with Connie, he traveled to Australia three times for short‑term missionary work, serving others with humility and joy.
Tom had a remarkable green thumb and could outwork anyone. He was always ready to lend a hand–whether helping his children with home projects or tending to the needs of friends and neighbors. He never met a stranger, and his generosity, humor, and easy laughter made him beloved by all who knew him. Family was the center of his world. He cherished holidays, vacations, and every gathering that brought loved ones together. Time spent with his grandchildren and great‑grandchildren was his greatest delight.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Allison of Marion; sons, Jonathan Lee (Veronica) Allison of Fredericksburg, VA, and Paul Stephen Allison of Marion; daughter, Melodie June (Phil) Heer of Fishers; brother, Ronald (Shirley) Allison of Hummelstown, PA; grandchildren, Ashley (Jon Smith) Allison‑Galazin, Kathleen Allison, Adam Allison, Peter (Megan) Allison, William Allison, Alexander (Rachel) Allison, Christopher Allison, Freya (Jacob Buck) Allison, Emily Allison, Matthew (Ciera) Heer, Chad (Cassidy) Heer, and Alyson (Mason) Heer; great‑grandchildren Dexter, Murphy, Eden, Francesca, Hunter, Forrest, Amelie, Marshall, Stevie Jane, Judah, Julia, Charlotte, and two more expected.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L. Earl and C. Alice Allison; brother, Donny Allison; brother, Robert (Joann) Allison; and sisters, Phyllis (Paul) Miller, Joyce (Merrill) Bailey, Connie (Robert) Hawkins, Janice (Merle) Clark, and Jacque (Don) Miller.
The family will receive visitors from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on April 9, 2026, at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church 2960 E. 38th St., Marion, IN 46953.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Tom’s life will begin at 3:00 pm with Pastor John Walton officiating. A private family burial will take place at Marion National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Gideons International or Brookhaven Wesleyan Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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