Richard B. Thomas

Richard Breed Thomas, third child of Gardner J. and Katharine Lindsay Thomas, was born May 11, 1925 and passed July 18, 2015. Richard “Dick” was born and raised in Marion, Indiana. Following high school, Dick joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and became a Flight Officer during WWII. He returned to Indiana and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University. In 1948, he married Roberta “Bobbie” Cougill and they began their life together in Marion. Dick spent his career in the family newspaper business, succeeding his father and grandfather as Publisher of the local newspaper - the Chronicle Tribune. Relying on his background in Mechanical Engineering, he prided himself on looking to innovative technologies to keep the paper fresh and allow it to grow with the changing times. His passion for flying began while he was in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Dick acquired his pilot's license and was instrument rated, which allowed him to fly his plane for business and pleasure. For many years, he was involved in the Chamber of Commerce and active in many other organizations in Grant County. Church affiliations include Grace Village Church, Presbyterian Church of Palms, Sarasota, FL and Westminster Church, Marion, IN. Dick and Bobbie raised four children during their 61 year marriage. They enjoyed playing golf together and spending time on Lake Tippecanoe with their children and friends. Dick, an avid golfer, played many rounds at Meshingomesia Country Club, Tippecanoe Lake Country Club and Sara Bay Country Club in Sarasota, Florida. In 1986, Dick and Bobbie retired to Sarasota, Florida and were able to enjoy wonderful weather during the winter months. Each year they returned to Lake Tippecanoe in the summer to spend time on the lake with their children and grandchildren. Dick will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and true friend. He was preceded in death by: his loving wife, Roberta Thomas; parents, Gardner and Katharine Thomas; sister, Katharine Lindsay Broyles; nephew, Gardner J. Thomas, III. He is survived by his children: Peter J. Thomas (Donna), Rye, Colorado; Lindsay Thomas Carey (Chuck), Bakersfield, California; Kelly Thomas Burnworth (Ted), Leesburg, Indiana; Richard “Fritz” B. Thomas, Jr. (Kelly), Warsaw, Indiana. Siblings: George L. Thomas (Betty), Sarasota, Florida; Gardener “Bud” J. Thomas, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii; Sister-in-law, Dorothy Chester,(Mike), Indianapolis, Indiana; Grandchildren: Lindsay Jarbo (Jared), Lauren Carr (Jeromie), Meaghan Cuniffe (Nick), Caitlin Blumer (Nick), Thomas Burnworth (Camerin), Baxter Burnworth, Riley Thomas and seven great grandchildren. Visitation with family and friends will be on Tuesday July 28, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, Marion, IN. A funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation at 2:00 p.m. at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, Marion, IN, and Reverend Lloyd Hall will officiate. Thank you to the many wonderful friends and healthcare professionals and Hospice that cared for our dear father. Memorial contributions are to Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation, 301 N. Main St, North Webster, IN 46555. McHatton-Sadler is entrusted to the family for the arrangements.