Ralph Thomas Storm

Ralph Thomas Storm (Tom), 81, passed away on October 7, 2026, while residing at Richland Bean Blossom Health Care Center in Ellettsville, Indiana.

Tom was born in Norman, Oklahoma, on June 30, 1945. The family moved back to Mooresville, Indiana after WWII where Tom spent his childhood. He was the son of Ralph Raymond and Mary Louise Storm. Tom was preceded in death by his older brother, Bruce Raymond Storm of Bloomington, Indiana. He is survived by his younger sister, Jane Ellen Storm (Sutkowski), and her husband, Mark Sutkowski, of Richardson, Texas; and by his sister in law, Shannon Storm of Bloomington, Indiana.

As a child, Tom was a “cowboy at heart” and loved Hopalong Cassidy and Roy Rogers. He spent countless hours caring for and riding his many horses while growing up at “Stormy Acres” in Mooresville. He competed in local rodeos and then drag racing in his teens. Tom achieved the level of Eagle Scout and loved the outdoors. He worked long hours at the family’s DQ. A banana split with custom toppings was his favorite treat for his entire life.

Tom graduated from Mooresville High School in 1963. He competed on the Basketball and Track teams. His creative gifts in art and drawing were recognized by his teachers in high school. After graduation, Tom started selling Chevrolets in the family dealership. As time passed, he realized art and design was his passion. This inspired him to pursue formal training at the Kansas City Art Institute, where he graduated in 1972 with a BFA in Graphic Design.

Tom’s career spanned +30 years in graphic design, visual communications and marketing. After graduation, Tom joined advertising leader Leo Burnett in Chicago as Art Director, managing clients like Kellogg, RC Cola and KFC. He moved to Foote Cone & Belding (Chicago) as Senior Art Director leading accounts like International Harvester, Sunkist and Brown Williamson. Tom then formed Tom Storm & Associates and did freelance work in Denver and Dallas shaping campaigns for many clients like Mountain Bell, Fox Photo and Denver Post. Design companies sought his talent and Tom became Creative Art Director with Hitchcock-Fleming and then SBC Advertising in Ohio. He managed major national clients including Tappan, Goodyear, Mac Tools and Frigidaire. Tom earned multiple industry awards from the American Advertising Foundation, recognizing his creativity and artistic vision.

His wide ranging interests included his love of horses and dogs, and skeet shooting, motorcycles, fishing and travel reflecting his independence and love of adventure. He also had a lifelong passion for antiques and collectibles, especially pieces that reflected past historical items and his love for unique Chevrolet memorabilia. Tom loved classic cars, and owned 1932, 1941 and 1955 Chevys and a 1964 Corvette that he cherished over the years. Photography was another hobby for Tom. He captured a treasured photo of the inaugural Indiana University Red Steppers group featuring his sister Jane. The Indy 500 was an annual highlight for the Storm family. They celebrated together year after year, sharing excitement, laughter, and memories that became part of their family story.

Tom was a special uncle to five nephews and two nieces who he shared many birthdays, holidays and special events over the years. From the lake house at Culver to Wisconsin Dells to Ft Myers Beach, Tom enjoyed many special times with his family. He was also a Great Uncle to twenty two great nieces/nephews.

He was blessed by a caring family during his stay at Richland Bean-Blossom. The faithful visits and care from his first-cousin and wife, brother and sister-in-law and nephew were so appreciated. Tom’s family and friends will remember him for his fun nature, creativity and the rugged independence he carried throughout his life.

The visitation for Tom will be at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 39 E. High Street in Mooresville, Indiana, on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 9am – 11am. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11am. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor Tom’s life.

Tom will be buried at the Mooresville Cemetery on Monday, October 19 at 10am in a private service. He will be laid to rest among his parents, grandparents and family members whom he dearly loved throughout his life.