Passing of Greencastle City Councilman a 'Profound Loss'

The City of Greencastle and Putnam County has lost an institution when it comes to local government and service following the passing of Greencastle Common Councilman Darrel L. Thomas. 

Thomas passed away Wednesday and was remembered by Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar prior to the city's monthly meeting Thursday evening. 

"Before we begin our formal agenda tonight, I would like to take a moment to address a profound loss for our City and this Council. Yesterday, we lost a dear colleague and friend, Darrel Thomas," Dunbar read from a prepared statement.

Thomas served on the Greencastle Common Council since March of 2022 after being appointed to his current position. In addition, he spent 17 years on the Putnam County Council, primarily as council president and had over four decades of service in Putnam County. He also spent over three decades with the Putnam County Purdue Extension Office, helping create the SPARK Program, which still serves children during the summer at Robe-Ann Park. Thomas also served as president of the P.I.E. Coalition and president of hte Putnam County Leadership Program, served on the Putnam County Plan Commission, Fair Board and Ag Day Committee. 

He also served on the board of directors of the National Association of Extension 4-H Educators and is an inductee into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Thomas served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, and was a graduate of Terre Haute's Honey Creek High School and Indiana State University. 

"He was a steadfast advocate for our residents and a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to make our community a better place for everyone. We owe him a great debt of gratitude—not only for his leadership, but for the kindness of his friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they navigate this difficult time," Dunbar said. 

Councilman Vincent Aguirre, who often had disagreements with Thomas over policy, echoed those sentiments. 

"The entire community will be mourning the loss of Darrel Thomas. His impact on this community will never be forgotten. My condolences to the many people that considered Darrell a friend and to Darrel's family whom he was so proud of," Aguirre told The Putnam County Post.