705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

Rolla Athol “Buddy” Thomas, Jr.Passing: December 28, 2020

Service:

First Baptist Church

Funeral Service

Saturday, January 2nd @ 11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

First Baptist Church

Saturday, January 2nd @ 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Saturday, January 2nd

MITCHELL – Rolla Athol “Buddy” Thomas, Jr., 80, passed away Monday, December 28, 2020, at Harrison Terrace in Indianapolis.

Born January 10, 1940, in Bedford, he was the son of Rolla Athol and Hallie Christine (Terrell) Thomas, Sr.  He married Nicoleta Ann Cargas August 16, 1959.

Buddy retired from Naval Weapon Surface Warfare Center—Crane.  He was a 1958 graduate of Mitchell High School and a member of the First Baptist Church.  Buddy was a member and past master of Masonic Lodge No. 228 F.&A.M.

He was a U. S. Navy veteran.

Surviving:
wife,
Nicki Thomas of Mitchell
children,
Keely Lynn Thomas of Grove City, Ohio
John Kyle Thomas of Bedford
grandchildren,
John, Jay, Joseph, Dominic, and Chris
siblings,
Gail (John) Richards of Bedford
Stephen (Anita) Thomas of Mitchell

His parents and sons, William Cully Thomas and James Cary Thomas, preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 2, at the First Baptist Church with Reverend Reggie Clark officiating.  Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the service on Saturday at the church.

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30 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Eddie Hatfield | Mitchell Indiana
    Date: January 13, 2021
    Thomas & Richards families, sorry for the loss. Now Cully has someone he hasn't seen in a while to bring things up to date on. He will be busy! Prayers for all. God is Blessing him now.
  2. Guest: Donita Gwinnup | Charleston South Caroline
    Date: January 11, 2021
    Keely ,Kyle, Christy and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of you Dad and Uncle! My apologies I just saw this post today 1/1/21 No words can take away your pain but your memories will always be with you! I thought of you often Keely, I know the struggles you and your family have faced, like mine as my mom’s caregiver! I pray you have peace in your souls! I love you all!
  3. Guest: Elaine Sherwood Anderson | Bloomington, IN
    Date: January 5, 2021
    My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all the family. So sorry for your loss.
  4. Guest: Charlie Bob & Jerrie Mann | Brownsburg In 46112
    Date: January 3, 2021
    Cousin Nikki & family, so sorry for loss.
  5. Guest: Jerry & Judy Stevens | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: January 3, 2021
    Nicki & families -- so sorry to learn of the passing of Buddy.. May the Good Lord hold you all in His Merciful Hands of Peace & Love at this sad time.
  6. Guest: Chris Clouse | Bloomington
    Date: January 2, 2021
    So sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
  7. Guest: Larry D. Bennett | Mitchell, IN
    Date: January 1, 2021
    Buddy and I sat next to each other in Sunday School. When we start up again, I will really miss him. Such a fine man. Nicki, you are in my prayers, as always. God Bless!
  8. Guest: Bob and Sheryl Walton | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: December 31, 2020
    Buddy was a special man with a smile and soft spoken way. He will be missed. Your chains are gone; you've been set free. Prayers for the family
  9. Guest: Joe & Pam Vanzant | LAWRENCEBURG
    Date: December 31, 2020
    Dear Nicki, Gail & Steve and families, we send our sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers for all of you. May God be with you and give you comfort.
  10. Guest: Bob Plew | Shelbyville, In 46176
    Date: December 30, 2020
    Nicki, I am sorry for your loss. Your family has always been special to me and I have you in my prayers. Take care of yourself and be safe.
  11. Guest: Robin Wilson | Huron, in
    Date: December 30, 2020
    He was always so kind. I enjoyed talking to him over the years. He will be missed. Prayers and comfort to his family.
  12. Guest: MaryJane "White" Pluimer | West Lafayette, IN
    Date: December 30, 2020
    Dear Nicki & family! What a great cousin Buddy was to all of us. Mitchell will not be the same without both of you there. Know we are thinking of you all. May God Bless you all. love, White Family: Randy, Marcia, Beverly, MaryJane
  13. Guest: Pam Johnson Pinto | Coatesville, IN
    Date: December 30, 2020
    May God provide comfort during this difficult time. Cherish the precious memories. Prayers for the entire family.
  14. Guest: Donald Mann | Indianapolis
    Date: December 30, 2020
    Steve, I am really sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. I usually saw him and Nikki during our festival visits and enjoyed talking with them and catching up on everything. Hope you and Anita are doing fine and have a safe New Year. Don and Katie
  15. Guest: Joe Goldsby | Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2020
    I remember meeting at the restaurant with you and Nicki when I first came to Mitchell. A great group of friends and you all welcomed a Bedford boy.
  16. Guest: Susan Briscoe Hughett | Orleans IN
    Date: December 30, 2020
    So sorry Nikki. prayers for you all.
  17. Guest: Susan Briscoe Hughett | Orleans IN
    Date: December 30, 2020
    So sorry Nikki. Prayers to all.
  18. Guest: Donna Terrell bowman | West Chester ohio
    Date: December 30, 2020
    So sorry to hear about Buddy. I know he was always kind to me when I was a child and we would be at aunt Teenies house.
  19. Guest: Paula Williams | Liberty Township Ohio
    Date: December 30, 2020
    Nikki so sorry for your loss prayers Paula Morris Williams
  20. Guest: Judy M Hasselkus | Indianapolis
    Date: December 30, 2020
    So sorry for the family's loss. Cully and Keely were friends in my childhood. Loved this family. Condolences
  21. Guest: Darla French | Wallingford, Connecticut
    Date: December 30, 2020
    My deepest sympathy on the loss of Buddy. He loved his family and I know how much he will be missed, sending prayers of comfort and love. Much love, Darla French
  22. Guest: John and Helen Hardman | Bloomington, Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2020
    Sorry to hear this! Condolences to Nicki and all the family!
  23. Guest: Hugh M McNeely | Indianapolis
    Date: December 30, 2020
    Buddy was a classmate and a friend. I was there when he married the love of his life, Nicki. Later in life, a group of his classmates and friends started meeting quarterly for the 1958 Breakfast Club. We told many of the same stories, but always enjoyed the remembrances and fellowship. Bud Smith, Larry Brown, Vance Shipman, Robin McNeely. John Mann and Bevo Hamilton join me in saying God Speed, Buddy! Hugh McNeely
  24. Guest: ro pettiner | Carmel, IN
    Date: December 30, 2020
    Nicki, & family...Very sorry to hear this news. Did not know Buddy was in Harrison Terrace. This is a very sad time. Still love that I was able to get by to see you with Aunt Babe a few years back, and Nicki I did look for that orange cake recipe! Couldn't find it. Aunt Babe was so happy you all included her and looked after her. You and Buddy had one of the best wedding receptions ever. I still remember it clearly. So many family memories. Best to Gail and Steve as well. Will hold you in my thoughts this week, as I cannot attend due to Covid. Sincerely, Ro XOXO
  25. Guest: DeAnne (Simpson) Wade | Mitchell, IN
    Date: December 29, 2020
    You're all in my thoughts.
  26. Guest: Georgia Bohlman | Orleans, in
    Date: December 29, 2020
    Nikki, so sorry to hear about your loss
  27. Guest: Chris Mannix | bedford
    Date: December 29, 2020
    Fond memories of the whole family!! Buddy was always so very kind to my family and always helped when we were in need. He was a good man and will be missed. Love and prayers!! Chris and family
  28. Guest: AMBER | Mitchell
    Date: December 29, 2020
    I had the privilege of taking care of Buddy and his wife Nikki they were both amazing people he will be greatly missed my heart goes out to the family
  29. Guest: Courtney Moore | Mitchell, IN
    Date: December 29, 2020
    I'm so very sorry for your loss. Nicki babysat us. So many memories, gma Tini's place and eating a hamburger was my favorite!! Buddy was so good to Nicki!! When Peyton played basketball, Buddy and Nicki were at most games and it was so good to see them!! Love to you all!!
  30. Guest: Cindy Acton Matlock | Bedford, IN
    Date: December 29, 2020
    Niki, Kyle, and Keely, My deepest condolences to you all. Mike and I are in Texas and won’t be home until the 5th. I’m so sorry we won’t be able to make the visitation. Please know we love you and will be praying for you all. Cindy