Howard J. Thomas, age 82, of Richmond, died Tuesday morning (February 12, 2013) at the IU-Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana. He was born in Richmond on July 2, 1930 to Howard C. and Ruby Weatherly Thomas and had lived here all of his life before moving to Lafayette one year ago. He was a retired employee of Wayne Dairy where he worked for 43 years.. Howard was a fan of IU basketball, the Cincinnati Reds and was an avid bowler. His wife, Earlene Thomas, died on October 22, 2009. Survivors include his daughter, Vicki (Rick) Uhl of Lafayette; sisters, Barbara Taylor of Richmond, Joyce (Larry) Street of Fountain City; 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his son Steven Thomas in 2002 and Timothy Thomas in 2011 Services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday (February 15, 2013) in Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary. Pastor Mark Thomas will officiate. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. Friends may call on Friday (February 15, 2013) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. www.riggle-waltermann.com