Dr. Thomas A. Brannon, 87, of Newark, died at the SharonBrooke Assisted Living Center, surrounded by the love of his family, on Sunday, September 4, 2022.  He was born in Cambridge, Ohio on January 28, 1935, to the late Harry Pence and Thelma Louise "Beezie" (Allen) Brannon.

Tom moved with his family to Newark in 1949 and joined the 9 ^th grade at Central Junior High.  He was a 1953 graduate of Newark High School and played the trumpet in their marching band.  He then attended The Ohio State University where he was one of the few making early selection to be part of the TBDBITL, The OSU Marching Band.  Tom was a band member during his entire college career (1953-1957) , which included the victorious 1955 Rose Bowl National Championship Game.  Tom, an active member of the OSU Alumni Band, was an avid supporter of TBDBITL, and carried his fond memories as a member throughout his life.

In spring of 1958, Tom graduated with his Bachelor of Science Optometry. He then served four years with the United States Army, where he was stationed in Fort Knox, KY and worked at Ireland Army Hospital.

Tom was the founder of Indian Mound Eye Clinic and was key in helping to pass the laws in Ohio that allow optometrists to prescribe therapeutic medications. He also served as an adjunct clinical professor at The OSU College of Optometry and was appointed to the OSU Newark Board of Trustees in 1995.

In addition, Tom was a member of Newark Rotary Club, Heath Lions Club, Aladdin Shrine and the Aladdin Shrine Band, lifetime member of The Presidents Club, and was a Past Master Mason, Heath Masonic Lodge 771.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Patricia Brannon; daughters, Leesa (Harold) Caudill and Juli Brannon (Chris) Legg, and their mother Suzann Parero; step-children, Dr. Neil (Peggy) Goodman, Lee (Olena) Goodman, Eileen (Max) Menestrina, Karen (Michael) Hill, and Christine Clark; grandchildren, Jennafer (Richard) Phillips, Katey Shane, Cristi Lowe, Nikolas Brannon, Grant Crist, and Courtney Crist; step-grandchildren, Erin (Sebastian) Findlay, Marissa Goodman, Ethan Goodman, Shannon, Ashley, and Justin Menestrina, Jessica Hill, Brandon Hill, Angie (Nate) Middleton, and Justin Davis; great-grandchildren, Jaclyn, Abby, Mandie, Emily, and USMC Corp. Robby Lowe; and many step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila E. Goodman Brannon; and step-daughter, Lisa Kayser Hazday.

Calling hours for Tom will be held at the Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 6-8 P.M., Thursday, September 8, 2022.  A prayer service, led by Deacon Larry Wilson, will be held at 8 P.M.  Private graveside services will be held in Cedar Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local school band to help keep the music alive.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to SharonBrooke, Dr. Thomas Petryk, and Misty Staggers NP, for the dedicated care they gave to Tom these past several years.

To share your memory of Tom or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.

"Go Bucks!"