Thomas receives Certificate of Distinction from Purdue

Having received the Certificate of Distinction from the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association, retired Putnam County Extension Agent Darrel Thomas (center) is congratulated by a pair of Indiana state legislators. Greencastle State Rep. Jim Baird (left) also spent time as an Extension agent. Meanwhile, State Sen. Jerry Torr (Carmel) was a Putnam County 4-H’er during Thomas’s tenure.

Courtesy photo

INDIANAPOLIS — Darrel Thomas was recently among six graduates and contributors associated with the Purdue University College of Agriculture named as recipients of the Agricultural Alumni Association’s highest honor — the Certificate of Distinction.

The Certificate of Distinction is presented annually to professionals who have contributed significantly to agriculture, forestry or natural resources through career accomplishments, organizational involvement, community service and other activities.

Certificate of Distinction recipients were recognized at the Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry Feb. 3 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Thomas retired as Extension director and 4-H youth educator in Putnam County in 2001 after 31 years of service, but he was hardly ready to slow down. He joined the Putnam County Council in 2001 and has served as president since 2010.

“He works hard to ensure that all have a voice,” Greencastle Mayor Bill Dory said of Thomas. “He listens and considers input from a wide range of individuals and organizations. He has mastered the nuances of the budget process for local government and has been willing to share his expertise with others in Putnam County and around the state.”

Thomas is also active with the Putnam County Community Foundation, which has established the Darrel Thomas 4-H Scholarship in his honor.

He also established the Summer Program of Awareness and Recreation for Kids (SPARK) in 2000. More than 100 young people from Putnam County currently participate in the program.

“For over 30 years he quietly and humbly earned the respect of many, from all corners of the county,” Dory said. “Unknown to him, I have long considered him a role model for public service.”

Others honored with the Certificate of Distinction included Katherine Armstrong of Zionsville, John Frischie of Kentland, Paul Marsh of Naperville, Ill., Ray Moistner of Fishers and James Monger of Lafayette.