Thomas Richard Etheredge

Thomas Richard Etheredge, 60, of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026.

Born on September 24, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, Thomas was the son of Raymond Lee Etheredge and Sharron Lee (Slayton) Etheredge. He spent his early childhood in California before moving with his family to Hollywood, Florida, at the age of seven. Thomas enjoyed an active childhood filled with softball, soccer, baseball, skiing, fishing, camping, and working alongside his father and grandfather on construction projects and automobiles. At the age of five, he began attending church with his family and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of twelve. He was later baptized at the Easter Sunrise Service at Hollywood Hills Alliance Church when he was fourteen years old.

Thomas attended public school through the sixth grade before graduating from Hollywood Christian School. He continued his education at Broward Community College, where he earned his Associate Degree. In 1983, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, graduating from Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base before completing technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. During his service, he also completed chemical warfare training at Eglin Air Force Base and was later stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. He served honorably in the United States Air Force for three years and four months before receiving an honorable discharge.

In the summer of 1983, Thomas met the love of his life, Carroll Mae Burchett, at Miramar Free Church in Florida. They dated for several years, became engaged in December 1985, and were married on August 23, 1986. Together they shared nearly forty years of marriage and built a home centered on faith, love, and family. They were blessed with three children: Cynthia, Rebecca, and Jonathan. Thomas was a devoted husband and father whose quiet wisdom, calm demeanor, and steadfast love provided strength and encouragement to his family. He delighted in family vacations, road trips, visits to theme parks, and, in later years, spending time with his beloved grandchildren.

Following his military service, Thomas built a distinguished career of nearly forty years in aviation maintenance and metal fabrication. He worked for Airworks in Miami, Florida, United Airlines for twenty-eight years, and Boeing for ten years. His work carried him across the United States and around the world, including assignments in Russia, Curaçao, San Francisco, and Wichita, Kansas. Thomas was respected for his exceptional work ethic, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to doing every job correctly and efficiently. Coworkers admired not only his knowledge and diligence but also his kindness, willingness to help others, and readiness to pray with friends and colleagues during difficult times.

Thomas's faith in Christ remained the foundation of his life. Throughout the years, he worshiped and served in several churches, including Miramar Free Church, Fox Island Alliance Church, and Calvary Fellowship in Gig Harbor, Washington. He faithfully volunteered on church sound teams and participated in the church softball league, always seeking opportunities to serve with humility and dedication.

Outside of work, Thomas found great joy in spending time with his family. He especially loved taking trips to Six Flags, Disney Parks, Universal Studios, and Dollywood, creating memories that his children and grandchildren will treasure for years to come. A gifted mechanic with an inquisitive mind, he enjoyed working on automobiles, collecting coins and baseball cards, and discussing anything related to aviation. He was fascinated by aerospace technology and rarely missed the opportunity to watch SpaceX launches from his home in Florida.

Thomas will be remembered for his gentle spirit, patient heart, quiet strength, and unwavering kindness. Though naturally reserved, he possessed a dry sense of humor that often surfaced through his expressive reactionary facial expressions, bringing laughter to those around him. Family members will fondly remember hearing his trademark whistle while he worked, a familiar sound that reflected his steady and contented nature. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer wise counsel, or simply be present for those he loved.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Lee Etheredge and Sharron Lee Etheredge, and his sister-in-law, Lori Davis Etheredge.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carroll Mae (Burchett) Etheredge of Noblesville, Indiana; his daughter, Cynthia (Etheredge) Schweibold and her husband, Steven; his daughter, Rebecca (Etheredge) Clancy and her husband, Kyle; his son, Jonathan Etheredge; his brother, Timothy Etheredge; and his sister, Kimberly (Etheredge) Burchett and her husband, James Burchett. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Luke, Ezra, and Owen Schweibold, and Brielle and Emmett Clancy, along with many extended family members, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ who will deeply miss his faithful presence.

Thomas will be remembered for his deep love of God, his unwavering devotion to his family, his honorable service to his country, his dedication to his profession, and the quiet compassion with which he lived each day. His life was marked not by seeking recognition but by faithfully serving others with humility, integrity, and grace. His legacy of faith, love, and steadfast character will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Genesis Church in Carmel, Indiana, where family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Thomas's life.