Leslie J. Thomas

Leslie J. Thomas, 89, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Monday, October 22, 2018. Born October 3, 1929 in Sturgis, Mich., he was a son of the late Tom and Jessie (Hensley) Thomas. A graduate of Huntertown High School, he played center on the basketball team. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for eight years during the Korean War. In his younger years, Les was an account executive with the Fort Wayne Newspapers for nearly eight years. He later sold cars with Hefner Chevrolet for 15 years; then, Bill Thompson Chevrolet for 15 years. He was a deputy with the Sheriff Reserve for 39 years and a bailiff with the Allen County Supreme Court for 10 years. He took pride in his duties as bailiff and after retirement enjoyed playing golf. He was also a member of the American Legion. In 1991, Les received a heart transplant and was the longest living recipient in Indiana having lived nearly 27 years. He is survived by his wife, D. Elaine (Meyer) Thomas of Fort Wayne; and daughters, Kim Thomas of Fort Wayne and Nan (Mimi Lengerich-Thomas) Thomas of Indianapolis, Ind. He was also preceded in death by four siblings. Funeral Service will be at 10:00am on Friday, October 26, 2018 at Hockemeyer and Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Rd., Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Chaplain Fred Meuter officiating. Calling will also be from 5-8pm on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the funeral home. Entombment at Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Heart Transplant Patient Assistance Fund, to which he was a passionate supporter and fundraiser for many years. For online condolences, please visit www.hockemeyermillerfh.com.