In Memory
Thomas O. Longley
July 21, 1934 ~ September 18, 2026 (age 92)
Thomas Ora Longley passed away quietly at the age of 92 in South Bend, Indiana on September 18, 2026. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Lewis P. Longley and Marie M. (Johnson) Longley. Tom graduated from Clay High School and joined the Navy SeaBees where he proudly served and learned the communications trade. After service, he joined AT&T and retired in 1989. He was also a devoted Christian who lived his faith and served in the church.
On September 9, 1961 Tom married the love of his life, Sharon (Bennett) Longley who preceded him in death in 2022. Together they shared a lifetime of love, family and cherished memories. Tom enjoyed fishing, travel, Nascar, gardening and spending time with family and their many friends. Tom and Sharon spent winters in both South Padre Island, TX and Sarasota, FL.
Tom is survived by his two children, Thomas "Mike" (Jennifer) Longley of Sturgeon Bay, WI and Brenda Crane of Rantoul, IL; two grandchildren, Erica (Adam) Butler of South Bend, IN and Patrick (Krystal) Shea of Rantoul, IL; two great-grandchildren, Thomas and Annie Shea, one brother, Larry (Denise) Longley of Mishawaka, IN and sister-in-law Ann Longley of Florida and brother-in-law Jim (Sandy) Bennett of Osceola, IN.
Following Tom's wishes, he will be laid to rest alongside his wife Sharon at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka in a private graveside service. May their love and the memories they created together continue to live on in the hearts of their family and friends.
Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
09/23/2026 EJS
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