Lew Michael “Mike” Thomas

PENDLETON- Lew Michael “Mike” Thomas, 79, of Pendleton passed away June 3, 2024 at his home.

Mike was born November 2, 1944, in Anderson, Indiana to the late Carl Edwin and Katherine (Redd) Thomas.

He served 25 years as a firefighter, Captain and instructor for the Anderson Fire Department and later Chief of the Pendleton Correctional Facility Fire Department. Mike also was a school bus driver for many years for South Madison Schools.

He was a 1962 graduate of Pendleton High School and a US Army Airborne veteran and later US Air Force Reserves veteran as a firefighter. Mike was a member of East Christian Church, Markleville; Madison Masonic Lodge #44 F.& A.M., Pendleton where he was a past worshipful master; Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis; Order of Kentucky Colonels; Sons of Confederate Veterans and Sons of Union Veterans.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Judy Ellen (Woolsey) Thomas; two daughters, Kimmerly Cheever (Dan) Jent of New Castle and Angelia Cheever (Scott) Turner of Palmyra, Virginia; nine grandchildren, Justin Thomas, Stephanie Thomas Fields, Karissa Thomas (Alex) Tedrow, Maxx Turner, Skylar Turner Shaver, Jacob Thomas, Jordan Turner, Sarah Jent and Zacharey Thomas; eight great grandchildren; several nieces and several nephews; and sister-in-law, Joyce (Mike) Goad.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; son, Karl Michael Thomas; sister, Joann Howard; and brother-in-law, John Woolsey.

A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 7, 2024 at East Christian Church, 124 Main Street, Markleville, Indiana with services beginning at 2 p.m. officiated by Pastor Philip Hodson and will include masonic memorial services and military honors. A burial will follow in Friends Cemetery, Pendleton.

Online condolences available at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com