Obituary of Ralph Dale Thomas

Bedford – Ralph Dale Thomas, 92, of Bedford, passed away at 7:55 am on Monday, October 12, 2020 at I.U. Health in Bedford. Born June 4, 1928 in Lawrence Co., he was the son of Ralph Walter and Jessie Mae (Williams) Thomas. He married Norma June Owens on March 25, 1955 and she survives. He was a retired truck driver and manager for Ready Mix Concrete Co. with the Rogers Group. He graduated from Shawswick High School with the class of 1946 and was the last surviving member of his class. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 11, 1950, during the Korean War, where he served with the 101st Airborne Division. He was a member and elder of the Pinhook Church of Christ for several years and Gillen Post #33 American Legion. He currently attended the Oolitic Church of Christ. He enjoyed bowling in his early years and later golf. Dale was very knowledgeable of the Bible and enjoyed occasionally giving “a talk”. He loved his garden on Sunny Acres Drive. Anyone who knew Dale experienced his sense of humor. Survivors include his wife, Norma, of Bedford; two daughters, Rita Kersh, of Bedford and Lisa Ramey, of Indianapolis; grandsons, Marcus Ramey, Michael Ramey, and Matthew Ramey, all of Indianapolis; sisters, Jane Turpen and husband, Don, and Nancy Fletcher and husband, Tom, all of Bedford; sister-in-law, Juanita Thomas, of Bedford; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Betty Ooley, Sue Alice Hunter, Harry Lee Thomas and their spouses and Don Thomas. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 15th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Walter Hunter officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Hill Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the hour of service on Thursday, October 15th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the Shawswick Alumni Scholarship Fund. The family requests that everyone wear a mask for services. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.