2019
Merle Edward Thomas, 83, of Remington, IN went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, February 16, 2019 at his home. Merle was born to the late Melvin Edward and Nellie Elizabeth Blessing Thomas on November 10, 1935 at home in Benton County.
On September 22, 1956 Merle married the love of his life, Donna Sue Hackley and she survives.
Merle was a graduate of Wadena High School in Benton County in 1953. He was a member of Tri-County Bible Church. He was a 4-H leader, a church youth leader, enjoyed singing for his Lord, hunting, golf and had his private pilots license. Merle’s happiest moments of his life was with his family and his fur baby Missy. Merle touched several people throughout his life and he will be missed.
Merle moved to Illinois in 1981 to work for Caterpillar as a teacher, trainer and operator of CAT equipment. His work travels with CAT took him to Arizona, South America and around the world. In 1999 he retired to Indiana and enjoyed life. When he was a younger man, Merle farmed with his father on the family farm. He also worked 25 years in road construction in Indiana.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years Donna Sue. Daughter: Terri S. (Patrick) Brown of Wolcott. Twin sons: Donald J. (Karen) Thomas of Wolcott and Dennis A. (Jeanne) Thomas of Illinois. Grandchildren: Mark and Joseph Brown, Lindsey (Abram) Roberts, Kyle (Caitlin) Thomas, Ethan (Grace) Thomas, Corey (Mackenzie) Thomas, Kayleigh (Justin) Nicholl, Courtney Thomas and Karah Thomas. Great grandchildren: Tahlia, Madeline and Gilbert Roberts, and Isaiah Thomas. Two sisters: Lynn (Ron) Wealing of Fowler and Lynette (Kent) Lane of Remington. He is preceded by his parents and a son Mark E. Thomas.
The family of Merle Edward Thomas invites friends to visit Tuesday, February 19, 2019 from 4 pm to 7 pm central time at Tri-County Bible Church, 5856 W. 1050 S., Rensselaer, IN 47978. A celebration of Merle’s life will be at 11:00 AM central time Wednesday with calling one-hour prior at the church. Pastors Daniel Warren and Andy Majorins officiating. The family ask that memorial donations be given to the Biblical Ministries Worldwide or donor’s choice in Merle Edward Thomas’s name. Wheeler Family Funeral Home-Baker Chapel Flora is honored to serve the Thomas Family.
Condolences for the family 021
Cindy Whitton
February 18, 2019 10:13 pm ·Donna and family,
I am really sorry for the loss of Merle. I enjoyed talking with him and Donna whenever I would see them. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hugs, Cindy and Blake Whitton
Jimmy Lynch
February 19, 2019 1:35 am ·I remember a lot after all these years. You’re family, everything always gracious. I remember teaching me to shoot a recurvre bow ,Kick the can, many things. You’re wife being the librarian. Terri, Donald and Dennis. I am truly sorry for for your loss. He was and always be a great memory and someone I looked up to.
Carol Ottavi/Nevitt
February 19, 2019 7:13 am ·One very special man has left us all. But memories of him will never be gone. You will missed by so many.May god give your family strength and hold them in his hands. For one day they all will be together again in heaven. My deepest sympathy and love to you all.
Katie Cochran
February 19, 2019 8:02 am ·Terri,
So sorry for your loss. I would see your Dad in post office and he always had a smile and a hello.Nice man.
Steve and Deb Fehr
February 19, 2019 8:02 am ·Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kim VanHouten
February 19, 2019 8:27 am ·What a great man I had the privilege of meeting. Fly high with the angels Merle. My deepest condolences to the Thomas family, May the Lord comfort you all at this time.
Jerry & Vickie Wilder
February 19, 2019 8:31 am ·Our sincere condolences to the entire family during this sad time.
Jerry and Linda Williams
February 19, 2019 9:12 am ·A good neighbor, friend and enjoyed his wit. He will be missed. RIP.
Mary
February 19, 2019 10:12 am ·I loved Merle’s smile. It couldn’t help but create more. My husband and I were blessed by Merle and Donna when we lost our son. We were grateful for their support during a time of feeling lost. My prayers are with you all!
Dean & Bev Wealing
February 19, 2019 11:35 am ·Donna and family, we have so many wonderful memories of you all. In praying for Merle’s healing, we know that he received his ultimate healing and is with his Savior, Jesus Christ. We will miss him at our Bible Study’s. May you feel God’s peace and comfort at this time. Our love to you all, Dean & Beverly Wealing
Rodney Pitstick
February 19, 2019 12:07 pm ·Donna and Family, You have my sincere sympathy. Memories of when you, Merle, Sandi and I work together at the Remington Library during the remodeling and addition of the Tobias Room. Sandi and I sure enjoyed our time with you. I will always remember those days. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. Take care, Rodney
Mary Lou Nelson
February 19, 2019 1:27 pm ·So sorry to hear of Merle’s passing. My sympathy and prayers to Donna and her family.
Beverly woodard/kenoyer
February 19, 2019 2:27 pm ·Please I send my condolescene to you and the family so sorry for your loss
Kathy Brooks Duncan
February 19, 2019 2:34 pm ·My deepest sympathies to you, Donna and family.
Alice & Jim Cochran
February 19, 2019 2:49 pm ·to Donna & her family . so sorry for your lost. Merle was a good man . many memories from years back
Darin Keiser
February 19, 2019 8:55 pm ·Dear Thomas family,
Please except my condolences during your time of loss. To my old classmates and teammates, Donald & Dennis; I am saddened to hear of the loss of your father. I pray that you will find comfort in each other and our Father in heaven.
Chris Sprinkle
February 20, 2019 8:19 am ·I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Thomas, but I do work with his grandson Mark Brown. From how Mark conducts himself he has to have come from a great family. I am sorry for your loss but I know his future and right now there is no place Mr. Thomas would rather be. Out of this world into the presence of the all-mighty! How glorious it must be for him! That is what we live for!
Connie Stepp Conley
February 20, 2019 1:01 pm ·Donna and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Merle’s passing. You and your family are in my prayers.
Patti Howell
February 21, 2019 4:15 pm ·Dear Donna and family…
You are in our thoughts and prayers with your recent loss of your wonderful husband, Merle. I am so glad that I met you and Merle in person on a couple occasions and witnessed such love between you both! ❤️. I can recall your great laughs when you two were tickled about something. Priceless!! Sending you my prayers and love…
Patti Howell (Pat Nelson’s daughter) 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕
Stella Fish
February 23, 2019 12:33 am ·Kent and Lynette… please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Your all in my prayers.
Rob Lehman
February 24, 2019 4:38 pm ·I am so disappointed that I didn’t see this until just today. Would have certainly come to show my respect. I really enjoyed seeing Merle and Donna at The Homestead and around town. Wishing you all comfort and peace in this time of adjustment. Rejoicing with Merle that he could go home.
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