Richard Breed Thomas, 90, third child of Gardner J. and Katharine Lindsay Thomas, was born May 11, 1925, and passed away July 18, 2015. He was born May 11, 1925, in Marion. In 1948, he married Roberta "Bobbie" Cougill, who preceded him in death. They began their life together in Marion where he was raised. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and became a flight officer during World War II. He returned to Indiana and earned a mechanical engineering degree from Purdue University. He 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. He 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, Fla., and Westminster Church, Marion. Dick and Bobbie raised four children during their 61 years of 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, Fla. In 1986, Dick and Bobbie retired to Sarasota, Fla., 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. Surviving are his children: Peter J. (and spouse Donna) Thomas, Rye, Colo.; Lindsay (and spouse Chuck) Thomas Carey, Bakersfield, Calif.; Kelly (and spouse Ted) Burnworth Thomas, Leesburg; Richard “Fritz” B. (and spouse Kelly) Thomas, Jr., Warsaw; siblings: George L. (and spouse Betty) Thomas, Sarasota, Fla.; Gardener “Bud” J. Thomas, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii; a sister-in-law, Dorothy (and spouse Mike) Chester, Indianapolis; grandchildren: Lindsay (and spouse Jared) Jarbo, Lauren (and spouse Jeromie) Carr, Meaghan (and spouse Nick) Cuniffe, Caitlin (and spouse Nick) Blumer, Thomas (and spouse Camerin) Burnworth, Baxter Burnworth, Riley Thomas; and seven great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by his parents, Gardner and Katharine Thomas; a sister, Katharine Lindsay Broyles; and a nephew, Gardner J. Thomas III. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, Marion, with the Rev. Lloyd Hall officiating. Calling is from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. McHatton-Sadler is entrusted to the family for the arrangements. 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. To send condolence or sign a guestbook visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
