Coachmen Co-founder Thomas Corson, 92, of Middlebury, Indiana, and Naples, Florida, passed away in his Indiana home on Dec. 23, 2019.
Corson co-founded Coachmen Industries in 1964 with his brothers Keith and Claude and wife Dottie. As chairman and chief executive officer, he led Coachmen as it became one of the largest RV and modular housing manufacturers in the country.
Corson’s industry contributions were recognized by many awards including his induction into the RV/MH Hall of Fame (1990), RVIA’s Industry Leadership Award (1992), RVDA’s Titan Award (1995) and the IMHA-RVIC Legacy Award (2002).
A strong proponent of education, Corson held leadership positions in several educational institutions including Ball State University (board of trustees), Indiana University (chancellor’s council), Interlochen Center for the Arts (board of trustees), University of Notre Dame (Law School advisory council), Purdue University (president’s council) and St. Mary’s College (business council). Coachmen Industries was an early contributor to The RVDA Education Foundation, which became the RV Learning Center.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, at First Methodist Church, 720 S. Main St. in Middlebury, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 S. Main St., Middlebury, Indiana. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, Jan. 11, at First United Methodist Church, 720 S. Main St., Middlebury. Burial will follow immediately at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Middlebury.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Interlochen Center for the Arts (Thomas H. Corson Memorial Fund), P.O. Box 199, Interlochen, Michigan 49643 and the First United Methodist Church of Middlebury, 720 S. Main S., Middlebury, Indiana 46540.
