Thomas Nelis

Thomas Raymond Nelis (73), of Oneida, TN left to be healed by his heavenly father on May 30th 2024 at his home in Oneida, Tennessee. Tom was born to Russell and Grace Nelis in Beech Grove, Indiana on November 10, 1950. He was the oldest of six children raised by his parents and he relished his position as the oldest. Being the oldest, Tom was determined to always care and protect his siblings and family. This was a virtue he carried throughout the entirety of his life. Tom graduated from Southport High School in 1969.

He later married the love of his life Robin Watkins in November 1973. Throughout their glorious years together Tom and Robin had three sons; Jason, Christopher, and David. Tom worked as a truck driver for both Overland Transportation and Holland Trucking. Where, he eventually retired from Holland in 2010 after 35 years as a Teamster 135. Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman. Some of his best times were hunting the woods and fishing on lakes with friends and family. Tom participated in many tournaments with the Indy Bass Club and proclaimed there was nothing more exciting and frustrating than early start times racing to a prime location, hooking a fish, and then losing said fish or even better - never getting a single bite.

Tom’s memory, whit, and charm will be carried on by those he has left behind. He is survived by his wife Robin, his sons Jason (Erin), Chris (Emily) and David (Brooke); his grandchildren Cyler (Nelis), Corinne (Nelis), Dylan (Nelis), Cody (Beal), Liam (Nelis), Madison (Nelis), Chase (Nelis), and Maverick (Bowling); his siblings Charlene (Rick), Mike “Tony” (Terri), and Samantha (Harold); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

While we are heartbroken with his departure, we take solace in knowing that he is reunited with those who are waiting for him: his father Russell (1989), his mother Grace (2009), his sister Diana (2005), his brother David (2024), and his nephew Jordan (2016).

A Visitation will be Thursday, June 6th from 5 to 7 PM at Jessen Funeral Home & Simple Cremation in Whiteland, Indiana. Funeral services will also be at Jessen Funeral Home on Friday, June 7th at 11 AM with Pastor Steve Sherwood officiating. Following funeral services, Tom will be laid to eternal rest at Snyder’s Cemetery in Shelbyville, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of two different charities in Tom’s honor: Catch-A-Dream Foundation (https://www.catchadream.org), Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation (https://huntofalifetime.org) or you can assist in the start-up of a new charity In The Moment Outdoors (https://gofund.me/8bac76f3).
There will be Celebration of Life in Tennessee, at a later date.

This obituary is provided as a courtesy to the family by Jones & Son and West-Murley Funeral Homes.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Nelis, please visit our floral store.