Robert D. Thomas
Sept. 7, 1939 - May 4, 2008
    COLUMBIA CITY — Robert D. Thomas, 68, of Columbia City, died at 1:45 a.m. Sunday, May 4, 2008 at Coventry Meadows, Fort Wayne, after a four-year courageous battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 7, 1939 in Plymouth, the son of Charles C. and Florence I. (Welborn) Thomas.
    He graduated from Plymouth High School with the Class of 1957 and received his BS in Education from Manchester College in North Manchester, and completed his Masters in Education from St. Francis University, Fort Wayne. He also attended courses at Ball State, Indiana and Purdue Universities.  He married Sandra J. Parker on June 26, 1960 at the Church of the Brethren, Plymouth. He lived in Plymouth until 1968 when his family moved to Columbia City. He first began teaching at Grovertown Elementary and then went to Union North United School Corporation, Lakeville.  In 1968 he began teaching for Whitley County Consolidated Schools, retiring in 1995 after 27 years of service. He established the radio station for the school, WJHS, where he broadcasted numerous sporting, county and 4-H related events.  In addition in the 1970s and 1980s he was co-owner of Sound Quality Components, Columbia City, as well as worked for the local Radio Shack. After retirement he went on to work at Star Financial Bank and Thomson Motor Sales.
    He was a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church, where he sang in the church choir. He was a delegate to Hoosier Boys State, board member of Camp Whitley and Whitley County Daycare. Bob was a former member of Kiwanis and the Optimist Clubs of Columbia City and also a member of the Chain-O-Lakes Barbershop Chorus.  He was a 12-year board member and past President of Whitley County Consolidated School Board and was a member of the National Education Association, National Association of Broadcasters, Indiana and National School Board Associations. He was a member of AARP, Indiana and National Retired Teachers Association. He served on the Human Rights Committee for Residential Management Systems serving mentally handicapped and disabled adults.  He was bestowed the Sagamore of the Wabash, by former Governor Evan Bayh, in 1995.  He also was an Honorary Red Coat for the Old Settler's Association.
    Bob is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandra J. Thomas, Columbia City; two sons: Micah J. (Michelle) Thomas and Joel E. (Julie) Thomas, both of Columbia City; one daughter, Wendy A. (Kean Kauffman) Thomas, Fort Wayne; 10 grandchildren and one brother, David R. (Alice) Thomas, Plymouth.  He was preceded in death by his parents.
    Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Joel Thomas and Pastor Paul Arnold officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City.              Memorial bequests may be given in memory of Mr. Thomas to Camp Whitley or WJHS/CCHS Radio Station.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  
    To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.