Dean LeRoy Thomas

Dean LeRoy Thomas, 93, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021. Dean was born April 5, 1928 in Mishawaka, IN and was raised in South Bend. He was the son of Fred C. and Florence L. (Dolph) Thomas. He graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School in May, 1946. Dean played varsity football, basketball, track and cross-country. He was co-captain of the track team and held school records in the 100 and 220 yard dashes for twenty years.

He was South Bend City Champion in the 100 and 220 yard dashes and 880 yard relay team in 1946.

Dean was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving with the Navy intelligence school in Anacostia, Washington, D.C., from 1946 and honorably discharged in 1948.

Upon his discharge from the Navy, Dean entered and graduated from Franklin College, IN with a B.A. Degree in Psychology in 1952. He was a member of the Franklin College Concert Choir, Varsity Track team and ad member of KAPPA DELTA RHO National Fraternity. He loved singing, was a member of his high school glee club, Franklin Concert Choir and the renown Navy "Blue Jacket Choir" at Great Lakes. Dean enjoyed working in his yard, bowling, playing golf, fishing and was a very good dancer. He was a big fan of Purdue, Indiana, Notre Dame, The Cubs and The Bears.

In 1954, Dean married Norma L. (Gregg) Thomas and had one daughter and step-daughter by that marriage. On June 20, 1981, Dean married Rometta M. (Perry) "Matt" Thomas having two stepdaughters. He was a good husband, father and grandfather who loved his family above all else. He possessed a great sense of understanding, integrity, and sense of humor. He will be missed by his loved one and friends.

Dean started his career out of college with Indiana Bell Telephone Company in Indianapolis, in 1952. He then returned to South Bend and became employed with Standard Oil Co. of Indiana from 1953 and transferred to Ft. Wayne in 1954. In 1957, dean joined Lincoln National Life Ins. Co. holding management positions for 13 years of service. He then joined IVY Tech Community College (formerly Indiana Vocational Technical College) Northeast, IN in 1970. Dean held management positions as assistant to the Vice-President and Dean, responsible for the development, organization, and administration of college operations, policy and procedures. He was director of community services: and established 13 satellite centers in the nine county area of Northeast, IN. Dean held other positions as director of the Evening Division; Job Placement Director; Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach. His teams (in the IVY Tech system) were among the best in the state with IVY Tech State Championships in 1972 and 1974, runner-up in 1973, and Northwest Tech Ohio Tourney Champions in 1975. Dean retired from IVY Tech, March 30, 1990, with 19.5 years of service. HIs professional organizations included The American Management Assoc., Personnel Management Assoc., Ft. Wayne Purchasing Agents Assoc., Assoc. For Continuing High Education, ACCTion Consortium for Two Year Colleges, Midwest College Placement Council, INC, Vice-President YMCA Industrial Athletic Assoc. 1963, President YMCA Industrial Athletic Assoc. 1964 and 1965.

Dean received the title of "Honorary Recruiter" by the U.S. Air Force recruiting service in 1985.

Dean was a Mason of Summit City Lodge 170 (award of Gold Member), Ancient Accept Scottish Rite, Valley of Ft. Wayne, Mizpah Shrine, Elks Lodge 155 (life member,) American Legion Post 47; and an Indiana High School Track Official. He officiated local track meets for over 60 years, namely the Northside relays, S.A.C., State Sectional and Regional meets. He was honored as "Honorary Referee" of the Northside relays in 2000.

Surviving are his daughter, Kimberly S. Thomas-Marconi; Step-daughters, Deborah (Lon) Dugan, Donna S. Graybosch; step-granddaughters, Kellie L. Graybosch, Megan E. Graybosh; step-grandsons, David and Jason Salley. Close family members are cousins, William Powell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-daughters, Deborah K. Stark; and wife, Rometta Thomas.

Funeral service will be Friday, September 3, 2021 at 12:00 PM at D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park, Maplecrest Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46815.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 2, 2021, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm also at the funeral home.

Burial will take place in Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children or the Masonic Home in Franklin, IN.