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150th Anniversary Year of Thoma-Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Sees Tradition-Transition To New Leaders in Modern Service

By JIM BARBIERI
As traditional as Thoma-Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home itself is the seamless transition to new eras in leadership.
So much so that people only gradually have realized it is taking place in 2003, the 150th anniversary year of the county’s oldest continuing-serving business.
For decades and for generations, the only transition was within the family. The 1853 founder, Henry Thoma, passed the business on to his son, Herman Thoma, who was joined and succeeded by his son, William Thoma.
The company and service were more than a century old when Howard Rich became part of the leadership with William Thoma and then succeeded him with William Thoma’s passing.
But the secret to growing old successfully is staying young and modern as well -- able and ready to meet needs, progress and service. Jeff Hewitt, Michael Chaney and Jeff Lemler have become leaders in the transitional process. In 1990, Hewitt and Chaney each had purchased 20 percent of the business stock from Rich and the firm name became the current Thoma-Rich, Hewitt & Chaney.
Heading toward the 150th anniversary year, still in keeping with the continuing service story, Jeffery Lemler joined the firm in year 2000.
Then, in October of 2001, Chaney and Lemler purchased all the remaining stock from Howard Rich and Jeff Hewitt.
The transition has been seamless in that Rich and Hewitt have continued to serve fully actively in the ongoing operations with Chaney and Lemler.
From historic locations and equipment to the modern facilities, accommodations and techniques that are most helpful today to families in times of need, the original Thoma Tradition has again made a transition. Such transitions are, in fact, a part of the Tradition itself.
Chaney, who already has served as a president of the Wells County Chamber of Commerce, is part of the community leadership.
Wells County Chamber of Commerce president LuAnn Garton, summarized the 1853-2003 company story by citing the role today as the right product of great tradition.
“In short,’’ she said, “Thoma-Rich, Hewitt & Chaney has provided foresight for our community as well as being an active participant and supporter of Bluffton and the greater Wells County area. This firm exemplifies community service.”