Dennis R. Thomas

Dennis Raymond Thomas entered heaven on February 19,2020 at the age of 73. We are sad because he touched our lives deeply but will always cherish the memories of his infectious laugh, his enthusiasm and his gentle, kind soul. He was the son of Raymond Eugene and Anna Louise Greenwell Thomas. Dennis was born in Evansville, Indiana on February 3,1947. He grew up with his brother Terry Thomas now of Lexington, Ky and his sister Mary Anne Thomas of Evansville, In. Dennis attended St. Ben’s Grade School, Memorial High School, and UE where he graduated with a degree in PE and US history. On Oct.2, 1982, Dennis married Janie Herrenbruck Thomas. They would have celebrated their 38th anniversary this year. Dennis has a daughter, Jamie Blackbourne and a grandson Keane. Dennis and Janie have a son Matthew Thomas, his wife Ann and 4 grandchildren, Emma, Ben, Kate, and Will. Being a Popa to his grandchildren was one of his greatest delights. Dennis taught PE and American History at St Ben’s, worked as an instructor at the EARC, and finished his career at the Evansville State Hospital where he was a rehab therapist and taught CPI classes for 23 years. Throughout his time with EARC and the State Hospital, Dennis coached many Special Olympic teams in basketball, baseball and track leading several teams to win State championships. Sports was a passion in Dennis’s life. He spent many years officiating high school basketball and football and made many friends throughout that time. When those seasons ended, he spent his time umpiring, coaching and running Baseball leagues. One of the highlights of Dennis’s sports career came in high school when he broke the undefeated record of another school’s tennis player leaving Dennis with the distinction of being the only person who could claim a win over him during his 4 years of high school tennis. After retiring he enjoyed spending mornings at the Donut Bank swapping memories and stories with his friends, following the Atlanta Braves and Boston Celtics, and being the kind, gentle, funny man that we all will greatly miss. We would like to offer a special thanks to those who helped care for Dennis and helped him enjoy his life as much as possible after his diagnosis with Lewy Body Dementia. Thank you to Hollie Newsham his protector, special friend and person who helped him enjoy his life more as his abilities slipped away. Thanks to Jim Herrenbruck for being his best buddy, sports companion and the guy he could always confide in and count on. To the staff at Jasper Memorial Hospital Caring Hands Unit, no words could express our thanks for your caring, compassionate and all-consuming care during Dennis’s stays with you. To Olivia Taylor, you were and are a gift from God in our lives. You approach your patients with determination and love working ceaselessly to find the answers to their issues created by Dementia. And to AseraCare Hospice, thank you for your compassionate care for Dennis during his final days on earth. We especially want to thank Julia Pettijohn for your giving loving heart and care for not just Dennis but for our family also. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 until 8:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 2020 at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street. There will be a brief visitation time at 10:30am preceding the funeral which will be held at 11:00 am at Olivet Presbyterian Church on Oakhill Road officiated by Pastor Dave Mills and Pastor Tyrone Edwards. Donations may be made in his memory to the Special Olympic Fund of Evansville IN. or to the Challenger Baseball League of Evansville.IN Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Dennis R. Thomas

February 3, 1947 - February 19, 2020