Thomas J. Kell, 71, of Elkhart, died Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Elkhart General Hospital. Thomas was born on February 15, 1944 in South Bend to Robert and Loretta (Pielach) Kell. On July 8, 1963 Thomas married Annette F. Leazenby. She preceded him in death on October 19, 2010. Thomas is survived by his daughters, Teresa Shoup (David), Elkhart, Tina Kell, Mobile, AL; and Tara Kell (Anthony Trotter), Elkhart; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Tammy Turley, Ft. Wayne; brothers, Robert Kell (Lisa), and Tony Kell both of Ft. Wayne and companion and friend, Diane Turpin, Elkhart. Thomas was the Director of Emergency Management for the City of Elkhart. He attended Crossroads Community Church. Thomas was a member of American Legion Riders #143, the Moose Lodge, and past president of the Optimist Club. He was a NASCAR and stock car racing fan. Thomas enjoyed camping and was an excellent poker player. Friends may call from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2016 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10 am, Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at California Road Missionary Church. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation.