Thomas John Born

Thomas John Born, 80, of Terre Haute, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Springhill Village. He was born on October 18, 1945, in Cambridge, MA to Carl J. and Hazel Miller Born.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bonnie Born of Terre Haute; son, David Thomas Born; brother, Joseph Born (Geraldine) of Miamisburg, OH; a sister, Jane Carr of Gulf Breeze, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William Joseph Born; and a brother, Dan Born.

Thomas was a 1965 graduate of Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio. He went to Culinary School at Cleveland State. He worked in the kitchen for the Marianist Brothers at the University of Dayton. While in Dayton, Thomas met Bonnie Chambers and the two were married on December 24, 1975. Eventually Tom and Bonnie moved to Terre Haute. Tom began working in the kitchen at St. Mary of the Woods and later transitioned to the position of security guard for the Sisters of Providence at St. Mary of the Woods until his retirement. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where he was a devoted adorer in the church’s 24-hour Adoration Chapel. He was also an active member of the Alter Society and volunteer at the soup kitchen. He was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Sisters of Providence Anti Racism Committee. Thomas was also a member of the Purdue Extension Club. He enjoyed fishing.

When Tom was born, he wasn’t expected to live more than a day and when he proved the doctors wrong, it was believed he may never be able to walk or talk. If someone told Tom he couldn’t do something, he set out to prove that he could. Tom and Bonnie loved children and opened their hearts and home to many foster children throughout their lives, even adopting two children. They lived in the first Habitat for Humanity home in Terre Haute. Both deaf, Tom and Bonnie faced many challenges but overcame them together. Tom was a treasured husband, father, brother, and friend.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with a Rosary Service beginning at 11:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, at the church with Father Todd Riebe officiating. Tom will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus.