Thomas Leisure

He was born on January 23, 1949, in New Castle, Indiana, a son of the late Norman ‘Norm’ and DeLois ‘Dee’ (Scott) Leisure.

Tom’s childhood was a happy one, centered around family, nature, and friends. He was a 1967 graduate of Knightstown High School. Shortly after high school, Tom joined the US Navy and served on the USS Hunley, a submarine tender, with his older brother, Reginald, and good friend Jerry Emlich.

Following his service in the Navy, he married Linda Morrison in 1971. After a brief stay in Maine, they moved to Marquette, Michigan, where they both attended college at Northern Michigan University. Tom graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation. Shortly after graduation he took a position at NMU’s Public Safety and Police Services, where he served as a police officer for 22 years, retiring as Captain and Assistant Director of the department.

Tom was eternally grateful to have spent 30 years in the Upper Peninsula where he raised his three children, made lifelong friends, and was proud to serve Northern’s campus. He loved spending time outdoors and instilled in his children a love and respect of nature. Tom, TL, Thomas, Grandpa-he was selfless and would do anything for his family or friends. He was known for his generosity, compassionate listening, and sense of humor. Throughout life, he loved and gave great care to his beloved dogs: Candy, Witiko, Nikita, Sandy, Sadie, and Abby.

He loved good music, a good engine, and could name the make, model, and year of any classic car. He kept a clean garage, where over the years he parked Triumphs, Harley Davidsons, his trusty snowblower, and several Ford Econolines. Following his retirement, Tom moved back to Indiana, where he enjoyed spending time with his parents and his brother and sister.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include his three children, Chloe Leisure (Ralf) of Fort Collins, CO, Dr. Aimee (Jeff) Brookens of Lansing, MI, and Sean (Lina) Leisure of Little Lake, MI; six grandchildren, Hendrix, Gemma, Dante, Harlow, Alistair, and Coyote; a sister, Leah Brownfield (Dennis) of Indianapolis; a sister-in-law, Jackie Leisure of Greenfield; an aunt, Maxine Clark of Knightstown; a niece, Jessica Jochum; nephews, Reggie, Clinton, Jon, and Jeremy Leisure, and Drake Brownfield, along with many other nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Reginald, his uncle Don, son-in-law Marcilio, and William and Ruth Morrison, Cathleen Emlich, Ren Brownfield, Bill Hall, and Duane Kramer.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Heritage Funeral Care in Knightstown.

Friends may call from 11:00 am until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the Henry County Humane Society.