02/17/2026
Alfred Russell Thomas
Alfred Russell Thomas, affectionately known as Al, was born on June 22, 1934, in Re*****on, Indiana. He departed this life peacefully at his home in Morocco, Indiana, on February 15, 2026, at the age of 91.
Al's dedication to his career as a pharmacist spanned over 57 years, during which he served at various pharmacies in Jasper and Newton counties. For three decades, he was a familiar face at Fagen Pharmacy, primarily at their DeMotte, IN store. His tenure culminated in his retirement in 2014, at which point, he held the distinguished title of the oldest working pharmacist in the state of Indiana, having worked diligently until he was 80.
He grew up in Re*****on, IN where he displayed an early entrepreneurial spirit by mowing lawns and delivering newspapers. He graduated from Re*****on High School in 1952, where he showcased his musical talents by playing cornet and trumpet in the school band. Al pursued rigorous studies in math, biology, chemistry, physics, English, and Latin to prepare for pharmacy school, graduating fourth in his class. He then attended Purdue University, where he earned his Doctorate from the Purdue School of Pharmacy in 1956.
Life for Al was enriched beyond his professional commitments. He married his beloved wife, Donna Mae (Lindahl) Thomas, on April 24, 1977. His warmth and friendliness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Al first joined in Kentland, IN and later in Morocco, IN where he served as a Master Mason and was a dedicated secretary and treasurer for many years. His faith was also a cornerstone of his life; he attended the Morocco First United Methodist Church and was an active member of the Methodist Men's Group.
Al is survived by a loving family, including nine children: Pam (John) Katsimpalis of Yorkville, IL; Steve (Linda) Thomas of Kentland, IN; Connie (Robert) Watson of Lafayette, IN; Greg Thomas of West Lafayette, IN; Joyce (Jack) Priser of Bourbon, IN; Karen (Ray) Holderman of Etna Green, IN; Lana (Chris) Binge of Morocco, IN; Rita (Mike) Hatke of Crawfordsville, IN; and Deborah (Andrew) Shepherd of New Castle, IN. He was a proud grandfather of 20 grandchildren, a cherished great-grandfather to 32 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandfather to 2 great-great-grandchildren, and was excited to welcome two great-great-grandchildren on the way. His memory will also be honored by his three sisters, Sally, Linda, and Susan (Joaquin), and four brothers-in-law: Delmar Lindahl, Thomas (Carolyn) Lindahl, Richard (Jeanie) Lindahl, and Larry (Kim) Lindahl.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Mae (Lindahl) Thomas; his parents, Kenneth Russell and Eva Lucille (Dawson) Thomas; his daughter, Sheri Baldwin; his granddaughter, April Peercy; and three brothers, Allen, William, and Richard Thomas. He also mourned the loss of his brother-in-law, Charles Lindahl; sister-in-law, Phyllis Curtis; father-in-law, Charles Lindahl; and mother-in-law, Violet Lindahl.
Al's contributions to his community and the lives he touched will be remembered with profound respect and love. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and family values lives on through the hearts of those who loved him.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Steinke Funeral Home of Morocco from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (CST). A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11 AM, with Pastor Wayne Williams and Pastor Roberta Cook officiating. A Masonic service will be held just prior to the memorial service at 10:45 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Morocco Masonic Lodge #372, the American Cancer Society, or the American Diabetes Association.
Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements.
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