Thad Eley

Thad M. Eley Sr., 56, of Markle passed away on Saturday morning, Sept. 6, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

He was born on Sept. 11, 1968, in Portland, Indiana, to Richard and Joann (Sutton) Eley. 

Survivors include his father, Richard Eley of Portland; two sons, Deven Franks and Thad M. Eley Jr.; and his stepchildren Amber Snider, Robert Snider, David Harper and Jeri Harper; along with his brother Todd (Shawna) Eley.

Thad is also survived by his grandson, Drayse Eley; and step-grandchildren Braxton, Neveah, Logan  and Liam; his nieces and nephews Evan Eley, Clayton Eley, Madison Eley, Draven Eley and Ashley Franklin.

Thad is preceded in death by his mother, Joann Eley; and grandparents Martin and Ruth (Evans) Eley and Frank and Dorothy (Shull) Sutton.

Private family services will be held.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.

Friends may share online condolences with the family at thomarich.com.