Gilbert Thomas

Gilbert Wayne Thomas, 88, of Logansport, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020 in his residence.

Gilbert was born in Culver, IN, on July 31, 1931 and was raised by his parents Floyd M. Thomas and Edith E. Thomas along with his brothers Forest O. “Jack” Thomas and Floyd Thomas Jr.

Gilbert was a graduate of the old West High School in Plymouth, IN.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Betty; a daughter, Cheryl (Steve) Orin, St. Cloud, FL; nephews Robert Thomas of Dowagiac, MI; Gary (Sharon) Thomas, Berrien Springs, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, nephews, Larry Thomas, Jerry Lee Thomas; niece, Nancy Church; grandsons, Wayne Michael McIntosh and Shannon Richard McIntosh.

After brief stints at the Uniroyal Aircraft Fuel Cell Division in Mishawaka and the Studebaker Corporation in South Bend, Gilbert actively pursued a highly successful sales career with National Biscuit Company and more than ten years as Chicago company representative for Duffy Mott Company, New York.

This success led to his development of commercial and residential real estate first with McNutt Realty and in 1972 the founding of his own company, The Brokerage House in Logansport with his wife Betty as principal brokers.

Under his leadership, The Brokerage House had an integral role in business commerce and residential development in Logansport with a successful team of over 18 realtors on staff. The Brokerage House Corp. was acquired in 2000 by Galloway Murray and Scheetz upon Gilberts retirement.

Elected both twice as President of the Cass County Realtor Association and as Realtor of the year, Gilbert held a State Certified Appraiser License from the State of Indiana. His success in real estate and strong reputation for ethics and professionalism led to his election as Cass County Commissioner in 1984 where he served for 4 years.

In addition he served on the Cass County Drainage Board; Zoning Boards; Cass County Economic Development Commission; United Way Board; Purdue High and County Roads Board; Past President of the Northwest District of County Commissioners; and served on the Indiana State Board of Commissioners.

Gilbert was a member of numerous civic and professional organizations including Past President of the Evening Exchange Club; sixty years’ service to the Plymouth Kiwanis Club Lodge 1219 and Scottish Rite Representative of the Orak Shrine Temple, Michigan City; the Moose Lodge for fifty years, American Legion. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Logansport Kiwanis’s Club and the Logansport Shrine Club. and former member of the Elks and Eagles.

In his younger years, he was a percussionist in dance bands who performed throughout Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. He drove modified stock “winged” race cars and competed with some of the best drivers in the Midwest and in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. He was elected President of the Northern Stock Car Racing Association and was honored by racetracks and fans alike. Thus, it goes without saying that he was an avid NASCAR fan.

Gilbert was a 50 year member of First United Methodist Church in Logansport.

One of his proudest honors was his ascension as a 33 ^rd Degree Mason of the Masonic Temple Lodge of Michigan City.

Per Gilberts request, a private family gathering will be held and burial will take place at the Olive Chapel Cemetery near New Carlisle, IN.

You may sign Gilberts guestbook and leave condolences for the family at www.gundrumcares.com.