ORLAND — Ralph E. Thomas, 85, of Orland, Indiana, died on Saturday, July 23, 2016, at his home. He was a member of the Orland American Legion Post 423, for over 60 years, and was a Past Commander. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1954. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Angola, Indiana, and the Knights of Columbus in Bronson, Michigan. He was an avid bowler and participated in 30 ABC national tournaments all over the United States. He formerly worked for NIPSCO in Angola, Indiana, as a lineman, and later was the owner of Thomas Electric in Angola and Orland, Indiana. He also had a woodworking shop at his home, Old Vistula Crafts. He was born on March 15, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. to Stanley and Margaret (Chamness) Thomas. He graduated from Orland High School in 1949. On July 10, 1954, he married Wilma Jean Calhoon, and she survives in Orland, Indiana. He is also survived by a daughter, Cheryl (Darren) Karlson of Fort Pierce, Florida; a son, Martin (Judy) Thomas of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two brothers, Fred Thomas of Elyria, Ohio, and Daniel Thomas of Huntsville, Alabama; a sister, Sister Margaret Thomas of Denver, Colorado; four grandsons, Jonathan and Michael Thomas of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Dustin and Leland Karlson; a great-grandson, Ayden Karlson; and a great-granddaughter, Kayla Karlson, all of Fort Pierce, Florida. Preceding him in death are his parents; two brothers, Francis Thomas, and Alfred Thomas; a sister, Mary Sharrett; and a daughter, Michelle Sine. Calling hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2016, at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana, with a prayer service at 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Angola, Indiana, with Father Robert Showers officiating. Burial will follow Mass at Greenlawn Cemetery, Orland, Indiana, with military honors conducted by the Orland American Legion Post 423 Color Guard. Memorials are to Orland Fire & Rescue or to Cameron Hospice. Condolences may be sent online to www.beamsfuneralhome.com.