Matthew Elvin Thomas

LAFAYETTE– Matthew Elvin Thomas, age 24, of Lafayette, passed from this life unexpectedly on December 25, 2012, at the home of his parents, Elvin and Jean Thomas of Greenfield. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 30, 1988, and had moved to Hancock County with his family at the age of three. Matt will be remembered as a young man with a quick smile and sense of humor who cared about others. He had a heart for older people and for helping in any way he could. His interests and accomplishments were many- he was an Eagle Scout and had earned Firecrafter and Order of the Arrow honors. Matt was a black belt in TaeKwonDo, a certified lifeguard, and was successful at the Indiana State Fair in 4H horse-driving competition with his mare Moondance Kate. He was a hard worker who enjoyed water sports, archery, target shooting, camping, music, gardening, and competing in Highland Games with his older brother. After graduating from Eastern Hancock in 2007, Matt went on to Purdue University where he received a B.S. in Agronomy in December 2011. Currently employed by Crop Production Services in Chalmers, Indiana, he had put himself through school by working as a field scout for Harvest Land and interning in Illinois with Growmark. He also raised cattle and did custom baling for others. He loved animals, driving tractors, and building things. He dreamed of having a horse farm of his own to use as therapy for disabled individuals. Matt was baptized into Christ on December 24, 2000, and was a member of the Shiloh Christian Church in Greenfield. His faith in God was strong. He accepted the challenges he was given, never showing anger toward God about his physical limitations, and remained cheerful and optimistic to the end of his life. He is survived by his parents; brother, Jim (Kris) Thomas of Spencerville; sisters, Lyn (Steve) Green of Junction City, Kansas, and Sara Coleman of McCordsville; nephews and nieces, Evan Thomas, Nathan and Nicole Green, and Katie, Gracie, and Maddie Coleman; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elbert and Marjorie Thomas and Buford and Harriet McClurg. Visitation will take place on Sunday, December 30, 2012, from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield. Funeral services will be on Monday, December 31, 2012, at the mortuary at noon. Burial will take place at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown. Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com.

Matthew Elvin Thomas

June 30, 1988 - December 25, 2012