COLUMBUS
On the road again… Norman L. Thomas just couldn’t wait to get on the road again. A life spent behind the wheel of a semi is now parked at its final resting place. At age 81, Norman went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.
If it went fast, Noman loved it. If it was red, he loved it even more. If he was late, it was probably because he’d been sharing stories with someone. You see, Norman never met a stranger. He was known to talk for hours to those he’d just met and those he’d known forever. He might be chatting about IU basketball, Colts football, NASCAR, or his grandkids. His larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on all those who knew him.
Norman was the first-born son of Jesse and Ruth Thomas. He grew up on a farm in Henryville, IN, where he loved riding horses, playing basketball and tinkering with cars. A 1958 graduate of Henryville High School, Norman worked a few different jobs before he realized behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler was where he belonged. It was while driving his semi one day that he met Janet Hadley and the two married in 1964. In 1981, Norman started N.L. Thomas Trucking in Columbus. He retired from trucking in 2007 but never lost his love for the road and vehicles on it.
Left to cherish his memory is wife Janet, daughter, Rhonda Kochert and her husband, Tom, and grandchildren Kalie and Luke Kochert, all of Columbus. He is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Caudell (Doug) of Austin, brothers Matt Thomas (Opal) and Raymond Thomas (Martha) of Henryville, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Norman was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Brenda, who died in 1980, his parents Jesse and Ruth (King) Thomas, and brother Marvin Thomas.
Norman’s life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16th at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with the Rev. Mark Teike officiating.
Family and friends may call for a time of visitation from 11:00 a.m. to time of service Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice of charity.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Norman’s family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com .
