Richard Thomas

Richard died suddenly and unexpectedly on April 23, 2025 in Winter Haven, FL. Richard was born in Terre Haute, IN and was the husband of Jeanne Thomas and son of Clyde and Rosalie Thomas. 

He graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School in 1980 and graduated from Indiana State University in 1985. He was loved by many and always had a passion for helping others. He enjoyed running Upward sports leagues, including for those with disabilities, and was known as the Veggietale guy at church. He loved all sports, and especially loved watching the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He even took the position of assistant coach for his daughter’s high school soccer team, when he didn’t know anything about soccer. He also enjoyed supporting his daughter, Sarah, in Special Olympics bowling and bocce

He spent 30 years working for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Terre Haute. He retired in 2015 and fulfilled his dream of moving to Florida in 2016, where he was an annual passholder at Walt Disney World. But what he truly loved was his family, especially his 2 grandsons. He married the love of his life, Jeanne, on July 13th, 1985. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Thomas; mother, Rosalie Thomas; Brothers, Gary Thomas (Debbie) of Speedway, IN Keith Thomas of Hammond, IN; daughters, Sarah and Lindsay (Kyle) and grandsons, Jonah and Aaron.  He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Thomas.     

There will be a memorial service at Christ Community Church in Winter Haven, FL on April 29, 2025 from 4-6PM. There will also be another service In Terre Haute, IN with a date to be determined.