Thomas Rahman's Obituary
Thomas Rahman, 91, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Thomas was born March 4, 1935, as Tommy Lee Fletcher and changed his name to Thomas Abdul-Rahman when he converted to Islam in the 1960's and to Thomas Rahman with intentions of changing back to Thomas Fletcher in his later years. Thomas will be remembered as a man whose humor filled every room he entered. Known for his quick wit and playful spirit, he had a way of turning even the simplest moments into something special. If you ever asked him his name, he’d grin and reply, “puddin’ n’ tain, ask me again and I’ll tell you the same,” never missing a chance to make someone smile. From joking with loved ones to chasing his grandchildren around with dentures just to hear them laugh, his joy was contagious.
Beyond his humor, Thomas was a deeply kind and humble man who truly loved people. He dedicated his life to helping others, serving as the Assistant Director of Student Placement Counseling at Purdue University. He graduated from Richmond High School in Richmond, Indiana, before attending Purdue University on a football scholarship, later playing semi-professionally for the Indianapolis Capitols. He played semi-pro football for the Indianapolis Warriors from 1961 to 1963 and had a short stint professionally with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While enrolled, Thomas crossed over into the Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in 1956. He went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
He had a deep love for music, especially R&B and jazz, though his taste stretched far and wide. He enjoyed singing and often filled his days with the sound of his favorite songs. Music became part of the memories he created with his family, including teaching his grandchild how to swim while playing cassette tapes in the background. He also found joy in watching sports, playing chess, and reading. Known for his sweet tooth, he rarely went a day without asking for Pepsi and candy, and he cherished taking his grandchild out for ice cream or treats after school. Even after meals, he brought energy and laughter, jogging around the building with family “to digest the food,” as he would say.
Thomas carried himself with both humility and sophistication, taking pride in dressing well while remaining warm, witty, and approachable. Above all, he was a devoted family man. He shared 45 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jannie Chatman Rahman, whom he met during her college years. From that moment forward, they built a life rooted in love and companionship that lasted until his final days. In his last moments, he was surrounded by that love—laughing, enjoying candy, holding his wife’s hand, and listening to his favorite old-school R&B songs.
Thomas once dreamed of writing an autobiography about his life and family. Though he did not complete it, his story lives on through the memories he created and the lives he touched.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John E. Fletcher, Sr. and Ozeluar Johnson Fletcher; his former wife, Patsy Jones Riggins; and his siblings, John “Bill” E. Fletcher, Jr., Larnzy ‘Skip” Fletcher, Claude S. Fletcher, Willie L. Fletcher, David L. Fletcher, Alexander Fletcher, Estella “Bunk” Person, Ann Clay, and Ozeluar “Dumpy” Hardin.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jannie Chatman Rahman; his seven children, Juanita "Cookie" (Johnny) Buckner, Thomas "Tony" Fletcher, Robert "Benny" Fletcher, Rodney Fletcher, Patrick Fletcher, Clarissa (Coary) Clemens, Jameelah Rahman-Townsend; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great- grandchildren; siblings, James A. Fletcher, Robert "Bobby" Fletcher, Nathan "Nate" Fletcher, Wordie Nolcox; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Thomas will lie-in-state on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Celebration of life service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel with Reverend Kelsey Kimble, Jr. as the Eulogist.
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