Thomas Jeffery Sutherlin

Thomas Jeffery "Tom" Sutherlin, 73, of Bloomington, Indiana, was called home to heaven by God on August 7, 2026. He went peacefully, knowing that God is the only one who knows when our time has come, and he was ready for that final call.

Born July 11, 1953, in Bloomington, Indiana, Tom grew up in the Broadview Neighborhood on Bloomington's Southside. He attended the 'old' Bloomington High School which is now Seminary Square Kroger and shops. He worked full time at the local Waffle House while still in high school, until his enrollment into the United States Navy.

From 1970 to 1978, Tom proudly served his country out to sea in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He was intensely passionate about protecting our nation and fiercely defending our rights as US citizens, carrying a deep respect for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights throughout his entire life. Upon returning to the States, he took his first civilian job as a Security Officer for NSWC Crane. Through hard work and a refusal to have things just handed to him, he earned a promotion to Painter, ultimately retiring after thirty eight years as a Senior Electrical Engineering Technician. He thoroughly enjoyed his career and the life he built through his own grit and self-reliance.

Tom was a firm believer that you only live once, tomorrow is never guaranteed, and you should love caringly and deeply. He lived exactly this way—riding his motorcycle, tearing up trails on ATVs and his RZR, shooting guns, hunting, fishing, and heading out into the woods for mushroom hunting. He also channeled his patriotic spirit into becoming a certified pyrotechnics technician, famously lighting up the sky with his own incredible firework displays every Fourth of July. He had a deep appreciation for music and a vibrant spirit, making sure to have fun no matter what he was doing. He loved nature and being outdoors, but his absolute favorite place to be was surrounded by his family, relaxing and watching TV together.

While he was a fierce protector who taught his family to stay loyal above all else, to never back down from a fight, and to never let anyone bully them, he also possessed a remarkably soft, generous soul. He had a notorious soft spot for stray animals, was always telling jokes, and was genuinely the type of loving, giving, and unselfish person who would give you the shirt off his own back if you needed it. He treated others with genuine kindness, compassion, and authenticity.

He left his children and grandchildren with invaluable wisdom: work hard for the life you want, stand on your own two feet, and remember that you always get what you pay for—so splurge on the good stuff when you can. Most importantly, he taught them that trust and respect are earned, not given, and once you acquire them, you guard them fiercely.

Tom is survived by the love of his life, his wife and soulmate, Pamela; his two beloved children and their spouses, Heather and husband Kyle Walker, Brent Sutherlin and partner Andrea Hays, and his cherished grandchildren, Bailey Jacobs, Trevor Arnett-Walker, and Brayson Sutherlin. He also leaves behind two aunts and spouse, Kay and Larry Stephens and Vivian Thrasher, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William Zeanor and Cecilia (Considine) Sutherlin; his mother, Barbara Sutherlin; his aunt, Regina Kelley; and his uncle, Robert Sutherlin. Tom terribly missed those who were no longer here physically on earth, and he is now peacefully reunited with them in heaven.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date and time.

Neptune Society has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/thomas-sutherlin-12997396