Estel L. Thies

October 20, 1937 - October 20, 2014

Estel L. Thies, age 77 of Batesville, died Monday, October 20, 2014 at Margaret Mary Health. Born March 9, 1937 in Batesville, he is the son of Elsie (Nee: Drake) and Ivan Thies. He married Patricia Huser June 20, 1959 at St. Louis Church. Estel served in the Air Force Reserves and was called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A member of the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 and St. Louis Church, he also owned and operated Thies Marathon for 45 years. Estel's ability to fix things went way beyond cars. In 55 years of marriage, Pat never had to call a plumber, electrician or HVAC repairman. Some of his hobbies included working in the yard, restoring cars, wood working and his great obsession - boating. Later in life, winters would find he and Pat in Florida, but the rest of his year was spent on the Ohio River. An avid Reds fan, he also liked doing word searches and watching his favorite shows Sanford and Son, Walker Texas Ranger and Gunsmoke. His family indicated he was a good cook and they especially liked his italian sausage and marinara sauce over pasta. When others did the cooking, his favorites were ribs at The Montgomery Inn and steak from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. While he enjoyed many hobbies and interests, his grandchildren were his true passion. He is survived by his wife Pat; daughter Dana Breazeale of Lexington, Kentucky; brother Uvon Thies of Brookville and three grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister Ruth Martin. Visitation will be Friday, October 24th, from 9 - 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Louis Church with Rev. Damian Cesanek O.F.M. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 and the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183. The family requests memorials to Phi Beta Psi Sorority Cancer Research or Batesville Rescue 10.