Elmo Frederick Thumm

Elmo Frederick Thumm, 97, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, in Brentwood, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 30, 1928, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Gotthilf and Augusta Thumm (Doerbaum), Elmo was residing with his youngest daughter, Rebecca Drennan, and her family in Tennessee at the time of his passing. Elmo was a cherished husband to his beloved wife, Barbara “Bobbie” Thumm (Anderson), and a proud father to eight children: Debra Miller (William), Robert Thumm (Frankie), Carol Thumm, Leslie Thumm, Susan Venegas (Moses), Richard Thumm, Jon Thumm (Marla), and Rebecca Drennan (Gerald). He leaves behind ten adoring grandchildren: Robert Thumm (Cathy), Shannon Clark, Brian Clark (Dana), Heather Haely (Nicholas Tottis), Jennifer Haely, Erin Venegas, Karenna Cox, Nathan Cox, Rachel Cox, and Viviana Thumm; as well as his great-grandchild, Fiona Clark. Elmo is also survived by his sister, Mildred Harper (Allen, deceased), and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Doris Durham (Donald). Elmo’s intellectual curiosity emerged early, as he concentrated on natural sciences at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. At 17, he left school to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving honorably in California after training in programming and operation of IBM equipment in Washington, D.C. He later received an honorary veterans diploma in recognition of his service. After the Navy, Elmo pursued higher education with determination, earning a BBA (1953) and MBA (1956) from the University of Detroit, graduating in the top 5% of his class while balancing a family and full-time employment to finance his education. Elmo’s professional journey spanned nearly 50 years, beginning in the automotive industry, primarily at Ford Motor Company, where he led statistical analysis, market research, and sales and product planning efforts. In 1977, at 48, he boldly transitioned to a career as an investment broker at A.G. Edwards & Sons, earning a promotion to Vice President of Investments by 1980. Elmo’s sales performance won him many fabulous trips over the years, allowing him and his wife, Bobbie, to explore destinations around the world together and create many cherished memories. At 72, Elmo retired, and he and Bobbie moved to Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Elmo’s zest for life shone through his many hobbies. An avid golfer, he and Bobbie spent their free time on the fairways, forging lifelong friendships and delighting in the game’s challenges and camaraderie. He was a skilled card player, particularly fond of his weekly poker group, but equally happy playing pinochle, hearts, or the card game golf with family and friends. Every day began with reading the paper and tackling the New York Times crossword puzzle, which he timed and often finished in under ten minutes; he enjoyed Sudoku puzzles just as much, along with spirited games of ping pong and billiards. Before dinner, he savored a martini, very dry with two olives, but never before playing poker. He delighted in his grandchildren, making everyday life so much fun by always saying yes to golf cart rides in search of alligators or spontaneous ice cream outings. Elmo and Bobbie loved to dance, and their enduring love story, filled with shared adventures, reflected a life fully lived, a legacy we cherish. We warmly invite all who knew Elmo, or wish to honor his remarkable life, to join us for a funeral service with military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, on September 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at 4615 Riverview Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34209.

Elmo Frederick Thumm

March 30, 1928 - September 4, 2025