Donald Buford Thieke

DONALD BUFORD THIEKE, 81, died on April 22, 2020 at Golden Living Center/Sycamore Village.  Don suffered from dementia  and recently suffered a broken hip.  He was born to Wesley Hobert and Elsie May (Ramsey)Thieke, on April 29, 1938, in Greentown, Indiana .  The family moved to Burlington when Don was young.  He attended Carrollton through his Junior year and graduated from Burlington High School, in 1956. Don married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann (Witter) on February 16, 1958 at the Bachelor Run Church, in Bringhurst, Indiana.  Don and Pat were married for 62 years.  They lived in Walton, Indiana for over 50 years.

Don served in the National Guard for 7 years.  Don was well known as the “gas man”.  He and his wife started Tri-County Oil and later sold the business to Pro-Ag-Co and continued to work for them until he retired.  Don and Pat also owned the gas station in Bunker Hill for 7 years.  Don was very active and enjoyed time spent with his bowling team (for 40 years), Euchre Club (for over 50 years), Rusty Nuts Car Club, and especially enjoyed golfing with his friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  He was also a member of Lions Club.    They also were snowbirds and have a home at Six Lakes Country Club in North Fort Myers, Florida.  Don and Pat attended Burlington Faith Church of Christ.

Surviving is:  his wife Patricia Ann (Witter) Thieke, his son Tony L. and Valta J. (Kenworthy) Thieke.  His daughter Pamela Sue (Thieke) Ellis, Michael Ellis (son-in-law).  Grandchildren: Wesley H. and Morgan R. (Hansen) Thieke, Nigel A. and Carrie E. (Fiddler) Thieke.  Caché L. Ellis and Christian M. Ellis.  Two great-grandchildren:  Ember G. Thieke and Arlo W. Thieke.  In addition, he is survived by his sister, Glenda (Thieke) Allbaugh, nephews and nieces Jim and Sue (Ramer) Allbaugh, Tom and Deb (Maxwell) Allbaugh, Brad and Gina (Willis) Thieke,  Jeff and Lisa (Eaton) Thieke, Tammy (Cottrell) Thieke,  Gina (Thieke) and Jerry Jumper,  Kathy (Long) Shambaugh and Greg Long as well as several great nieces and nephews. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Thelma (Brown) Witter, his brother Fred Thieke, his brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Jeanine (Johnson) Thieke, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Billy Joe and Patricia (Obermeyer-Long) Witter, his brother-in-law Robert Allbaugh and his nephew Michael Thieke.

The family would like to extend and heartfelt thank you to the friends and family, near and far who have helped.  Your friendship, love, laughter, prayers and help have been appreciated more than you will ever know.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic there will a service for immediate family only on Friday, April 24 at Burlington Faith Church of Christ. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Burlington Faith Church of Christ at 1701 South Michigan Road, Burlington, Indiana.  At his request, his body will be cremated with is ashes interned at the Maple Lawn Cemetery, Flora, Indiana with immediate family only and Pastor Michael Rogers officiating.   Greiner Funeral Home – Terre Haute assisting with arrangements.

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