Charles Michael (Mike) Thomas, 79 of Shelbyville, formerly of Connersville passed away early Saturday morning, January 9, 2021 at MHP. He was surrounded by his loved ones, Lynda, Cassie, Hailie and James.
Mike was born to Robert and Mary Jan Thomas of Connersville in 1941.
He met and later married Lynda, (Buzzard) D. (Haltom) Thomas of Shelbyville in July of 1969 and she survives.
He is also survived by his daughter Cassandra (Cassie) Thomas of Rushville, Special-Best Friend James Laker of Rushville and his “Heathen”, “Sugar Burger” grand-daughter, Hailie Laker of Rushville, his sister Roberta-(Rat) Clark of Connersville, Jim (Cheryl) Thomas of Connersville, Stacie (Rich) Stamper of Georgia and Jill (Scott) Jorgensen of Wisconsin along with several nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved fur baby, Kennedy.
He graduated from Connersville High School in 1959. Mike attended Ball State University and Barber College. Mike served in the Army National Guard with multiple deployments in a 6-year span. Mike had many business ventures and experiences in life. Mike owned and operated the Spartan Barbershop in Connersville as it was the scene of many after game parties. He also owned and operated the Blue River Inn from 1966 to 2006, along with Jackson Street Fish Fry, Jackson Street Pizza, Mother Buzzards, Dirty Harry’s Car Wash, small Construction business, and a limousine service in Shelbyville. He also drove the transport bus for the Indiana Downs a short time. Mike’s absolute passion was his horses. Mike in earlier years barrel raced and then later was an owner, breeder and trainer of thoroughbred horses and raced all over with his star, Little Drummer Boy and his other fleet of horses.
Mike was very well liked and respected in his business ventures and the horse community. Mike also had a great sense of humor and loved to tease and humor anyone around him. He also had his “Bad Boy/Iron Fist” moments at the BRI. Mike also enjoyed driving around in his big white Ford truck and “cruising” around town to purposely harass and tease anyone he seen out.
Private burial will take place at Miller’s cemetery in Shelby Co.
A Celebration of Life will be held at (“Lucas Oil Stadium”), actually it will take place at Occasions Banquet Hall, 415 E Hendricks Street, Shelbyville February 5th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please bring your greatest stories of Mike, as there are many.
Memorial contributions may be made to Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN. 47906.
Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Mike’s family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
