Delores Jean ‘D.J.’ Thomas-Farley

Dec. 21, 1939-Aug. 8, 2024

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Delores Jean “D.J.” Thomas-Farley 84, passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2024, at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville.

Delores was born Dec. 21, 1939, at the foot of the hill south of town in Waveland. She was the second child and only daughter of Rose Marie (Easter) and Hubert Thomas. She was called “Sis” by her siblings and known as “D.J.” by others.

Delores graduated from Waveland High School in 1957 and later served as president of the Alumni Association for eight years. Her education also included attending the House of James Beauty School in Crawfordsville and the Athens Massage Therapy School where she earned a Swedish Massage Certificate.

She first married her childhood sweetheart in 1958. They were the parents of two children, Michael Ottis Reynolds of Timberville, Virginia, and Deborah Jean Reynolds-Estep of Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Delores and her first husband divorced in 1985.

She then married Gordon L. Farley on Aug. 17, 1985. He survives. They shared 38 years together. They attended and were active in New Market Christian Church. They enjoyed square dancing and were former members of the Sugar Creek Squares. They were also avid race fans and sponsored a sprint car for several years. During their retirement years, they enjoyed spending winters in Florida where they were active at New Life Baptist Church in Leesburg, Florida.

At one time Delores owned and operated a wig shop in Waveland that she called “The Wigwam.” Long-time residents of the area might also remember seeing her on a farm tractor mowing Lake Waveland during its opening years.

During her working career she worked at P.R. Mallory’s, Elston Bank, Lithonia Lighting, Bob Grimes Insurance, and at Crawfordsville Airport where she was a student pilot. She retired from RR Donnelley and Sons Company in 1995, but continued working part-time at Ameritech before retiring permanently in 1996.

Delores was an artist and leaves her mark in many places around the area, including the mural on the building in Waveland. She was one of the original artists in 1985. In 2005 she restored the mural, adding the library, school and covered bridge. She repainted the mural for the final time in the summer of 2017. She referred to this as “a labor of love” for the town of Waveland where she was born and raised.

She loved to sing and was a member of the local Sunshine Chorus. She sang with various choirs and groups in the area and was guest soloist in many area churches. She also loved singing at the Highway 341 Café in Wallace for Monday night Gospel sings and had a deep love for the people there.

She is survived by husband Gordon L. Farley;  two children, Michael Ottis Reynolds and Deborah Jean Reynolds-Estep; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill Thomas (Billie Ann), Jim Thomas (Judy) and Steve Thomas (Dawn); as well as many dearly loved nieces and nephews. She enjoyed a special bond with granddaughter Megann (Reynolds) McMillin and niece Darla Morrison.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Machledt & Servies Funeral Home in Waveland, with Rodney Coffman and Tony Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Waveland Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time also at the funeral home.

Delores loved animals and, in her memory, donations may be made to the Crawfordsville Animal Shelter, 1104 Big Four Arch Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.

You are invited to visit www.machledtservies.com where you may leave online condolences or share a memory with the family.


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