Rev. Ernest Thomas

Rev. Ernest H. Thomas, 94, formerly of Fishers, IN was a retired minister, artist, author and banker. He went to be with his beloved wife of 65 years on December 3, 2013.
Rev. Thomas was an officer and branch manager for Merchants Bank (now PNC), before his retirement in 1972 due to a stroke. He was an instructor for The American Institute of Banking, and served on their National Speaking Committee and Board of Governors.
Rev. Thomas, a native of Michigan, came to Indianapolis in 1955 to do public relations work at his church headquarters. His early years were spent in evangelistic work among some 25 denominations. He pastored two churches in Michigan and also conducted 550 religious radio broadcasts. He attended Wayne University, Calvin College, Butler University and Owosso Bible College. He was a graduate of the Federal Schools of Art and did illustrating for many publications.
His later years were spent in Christian writing. His work appeared in over 22 periodicals including a local newspaper for several years. He published a small quarterly paper and a full length book entitled "A Time for Faith." In 2000, he published a book of his poems, "The Little White Church in the Valley. "He was a retired elder of E. 91 St Church, later pastoring the little White Chapel Church in Carmel, IN for nearly 14 years. He was also a Charter member of Sertoma.
Survivors include one daughter, Patricia Schmidt and her husband, Troy; a grandson; two granddaughters; two great-grandsons; and a great granddaughter.
He is preceded in death, by his wife; son E. Michael Thomas; and daughter, Dr. Crawford.
Graveside services will be Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 at 3:00p.m. at Union Chapel Cemetery in Indianapolis.