February 14, 1950—January 14, 2021
Thomas Michael Greenwell was born February 14, 1950 in Owensboro, Kentucky to Mary Alice (Berry) and C.E. John Greenwell. He enjoyed a childhood filled with friends, extended family get-togethers, sports, and Boy Scouts. During his freshman year of high school, the family moved across the Ohio River to Evansville, Indiana, where Tom quickly made new friends and continued playing tennis and basketball. Inspired by the discipline and leadership skills he learned at home and from Scouts, Tom dreamed of a military career where he could lead men. When his birthday was the fourth number drawn in the Viet Nam era draft, he decided the best way to learn to lead was to enroll in Army ROTC at Indiana University. He also joined the Pershing Rifles military fraternity and drill team and forged more friendships that would last his entire life. Here, he also met Linda Deardorff, who would become his wife. After graduation, Tom completed Infantry Officers Basic Course and Airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia and moved to his assignment with the First Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. He and Linda married in Washington, DC on November 25, 1972, and began their life together in Kansas.
In 1975, God led Tom to forego his aspirations of a military career to move to Dallas, Texas. where he became the tennis pro for Los Rios Country Club. Three years later, desiring to move closer to family, Tom and Linda returned to Indiana. Tom worked in customer service, eventually landing his desired job with KCL Corporation, a manufacturer of paper and plastic packaging. During this period, Tom and Linda welcomed their sons into the family: Kent in 1980 and Kyle in 1982. Tom’s work ethic, leadership, and people skills drew his boss’s attention, and he was given additional projects and responsibilities that led to an offer to manage a KCL-owned packaging plant in Dallas. Upon their return to Texas, Tom and his family soon became active in church, sports, and the community.
In addition to leading men in the military, Tom had often dreamed of owning his own business. In 2001, he achieved that dream. Tom started his own company, brokering specialty packaging and products with the contacts and experience he had attained through 20 years in the business. He called his company TL Packaging. The TL seems to refer to “Tom” and “Linda,” but it also stands for “The Lord,” because Tom knew God had perfectly prepared him and provided this opportunity.
Tom was a man of few words, but his deeds spoke volumes. He was an excellent listener and stepped in to help as he saw the need. He was unselfish with his time and his talents, and he didn’t quit until the job was done—and done right. He was never afraid to try something new (unless it had to do with computers). He loved his Lord, his family, his business relationships, helping people, fixing things, taking care of his yard and flowers, and playing his guitar with the Sonshine Band and Cornerstone worship band.
Tom thanks those he loves for blessing him throughout his time on this earth. He leaves family and friends grieving his loss and grateful for his life. Tom has slipped the bonds of cancer and COVID-19 and is enjoying the place Jesus promised to prepare for him. Just weeks before his illness, Tom told Linda, “Maybe in heaven I’ll be riding the lawn tractor playing my guitar.”
Tom’s memorial service is pending and will be scheduled at a future time when it is safe to gather.
Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to
Cornerstone Christian Church www.cc-church.com
Give online through the website or send your check to
Cornerstone Christian Church
2727 LBJ Freeway, Suite 216
Dallas, TX 75234
ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship www.manegait.org
Give online or send your check to
ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship
4261 E. University Dr. #30-253
Prosper, TX 75078
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