Thomas Bodner

September 3, 1932 - April 2, 2017

Thomas L. Bodner, 84, died surrounded by “his girls” on April 2, 2017 in Louisville, KY. A private service was held Tuesday, April 4 at Hebron Cemetery in Shepherdsville, KY. Tom was born on September 3, 1932 in Danville, KY to Anthony and Zella (Ballard) Bodner. Tom spent his life demonstrating that the circumstances of your birth do not define the circumstances of your life. He joined the United States Marine Corps upon high school graduation and fought for our country in the Korean War. When he returned, he began his career in the construction industry, ultimately overseeing the construction of major installations such as military bases, hospitals, universities, and performing arts centers working at John Wile, Struck and Whittenberg Construction companies. He worked his way up - with a Marine’s discipline, unparalleled work ethic, fierce ambition to better his circumstances, and perseverance - from a carpenter’s apprentice to President & joint owner of R. S. Thomas Construction, a company he founded with two men he respected and valued. Tom was an active and dedicated Mason and Past Master of the Buechel Lodge No. 896 of the Free & Accepted Masons and belonged to the Marine Corps League. He valued the friendships he made in both. Tom was an avid golfer and poker player and was devoted to and provided for his family. Tom is survived by this wife Mary, daughters Gayle (Ralph) Hobbs and Susan Bodner (Mike Volz). He is also survived by his grandchildren Samantha (Chip) Price and Skylar, Erica and Trent Volz, several nieces and nephews, and his two lifelong friends, Joe and Doris Butler. Tom would like expressions of sympathy to take the form of donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Toys for Tots.