Communities across the area are congratulating Tom Holden on his well-deserved retirement after 46 years of faithful service as a pharmacist and friend to so many.
Tom’s journey into pharmacy began in his father’s drugstore in Brookston. In third grade, he was entrusted with important duties like emptying the trash and picking up the mail. As the years passed, so did the promotions—washing windows, sweeping floors, and eventually, by age 16, earning the privilege of running the cash register. It was there that a lifelong passion for serving others first began to take shape.
After graduating from Purdue University, Tom spent several years working for Revco in various states. Then, in what he would surely call divine direction, God led him to North Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Allison. In 1988, Tom convinced her to move back to Indiana so they could purchase Robinson’s Rexall Pharmacy in Mulberry.
Together, they poured their hearts into the business—cleaning it up, building relationships, and creating a place where customers felt like family. Their love for independent pharmacy and caring for others inspired them to purchase Wynkoop Pharmacy in Delphi the very next year.
Life took an unexpected turn when Tom received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 malignant melanoma. Faced with what doctors described as a death sentence, Tom and Allison sold both stores and focused entirely on his healing journey. What followed was nothing short of a miracle from God.
After later spending what many would jokingly call “far too long” working for CVS in Rossville, Tom once again followed his passion for independent pharmacy. He convinced Allison to join him in opening another hometown pharmacy—Holden Pharmacy in Frankfort. Those next 10 years became a blessing not only for Tom and Allison, but for the countless customers Tom served with kindness, compassion, and genuine care. Pharmacy was never just a profession for Tom; it was truly his calling.
Now, after nearly five decades behind the counter, Tom is officially hanging up the smock—sort of. True to form, he still plans to work every other Thursday!
As Tom steps into retirement, he proudly passes the reins to David and Rachel Norris, who will continue carrying on the Holden Pharmacy name along with the prompt, caring, and personal service the community has come to know and love.
And for anyone wondering—Tom is not slowing down because of illness. In fact, thanks to plenty of walking, a dedicated physical trainer, and healthy food choices, he says he is in the best shape of his life.
Congratulations, Tom, on an incredible career, a life of service, and a retirement that is richly deserved. Your impact on this community will continue for generations to come.
