Thomas J. Connell D.D.S.

Thomas J. Connell, D.D.S., 87, of Indianapolis, IN passed away Friday, November 16, 2018. He was born June 20, 1931 to Tom and Alberta (Howe) Connell on June 20, 1931. He grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and during that time became an Eagle Scout Class of 1946. He was a 1950 graduate of Arsenal Tech High School and attended John Herron School of Art on a scholarship. The Korean War interrupted his art career and he enlisted in the US Navy and served 4 years aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. WASP. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he began his pre dental requirements at Indiana University where he was introduced by a mutual friend to the love of his life, Della Mae Anderson. In two years, he was admitted to the IU School of Dentistry and in 1956 Thomas and Della Mae were married. He received his DDS degree with the Class of 1960 and was a member of Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity. He practiced general dentistry on the Northside of Indianapolis and taught part-time in the Crown and Bridge department of the IU dental school for several years.

He enjoyed many interests and hobbies throughout is life. He appreciated all forms of art, cars and racing, scuba diving, and loved fishing and canoeing, especially in Minnesota. He took pride in helping to restore the Rock Garden at Holliday Park and working with other groups caring for the park. He especially enjoyed his long time membership in the Indiana Daylily - Iris Society where he served as president and also became an accredited daylily judge serving at local and regional daylily club shows. He always enjoyed the many lasting friendships he made during the years. He was also a former member of the Hoosier Daylily Society and the Indianapolis Hosta Society.

As age and Alzheimer’s dementia slowly stole his memory and ravaged his body he was still able to communicate with his wife of 62 years. He was a devoted husband, had a wonderful sense of humor, and a kind and gentle manor. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Della Mae Connell and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Alberta Connell, and brother, Gerald M. Connell, PhD. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no calling. He will be interred in the family plot at Greenwood Cemetery.