Joseph "Joey" Richard Clay Thomas, 37, of Indianapolis, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born in Elkhart on April 2, 1987, to Jeanna M. and Franklin Thomas.

Joey is survived by his parents; the love of his life, Kelby Tienken; sister, Jessica (Timothy) Whalen; nephews, Tripp and Ford Whalen; and canine companion, Arlo.

Cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart, IN. No services have been planned at this time; however, a celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Joey was a passionate man who hungered to learn everything he could about the world. His heart was always in expressing himself in music and food, and sharing them with those he loved. He earned his masters degree in neuropsychology and leveraged his intelligence in chasing careers in finance technology and as a chef. When he wasn't talking about cheese, he was letting everyone in the room know how much he loved what he loved, especially if he hated it. Despite his confident opinions, music was a common ground. From Sugar Ray to Wu Tang, his eclectic music taste and talent especially manifested when he wrote and performed a song on guitar for his great grandparents 60th wedding anniversary.

Joey was exceptionally sociable and adventurous. His favorite times were loving on his soulmate, Kelby, and his friends while hiking and hanging at local breweries, especially if that meant seeing live bands or the crisp air in rural Wisconsin.

Joey was defined by his intensity and love for friends and family. There are no words to communicate how much he will be missed.