Wilbert Vere Awdry was a British Anglican minister and writer. He was born on June 15, 1911, in Romsey, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom. His credits include Thomas & Friends (1984) and Thomas: The Trainz Adventures (2013). He was married to Margaret Awdry. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1996 Queen's New Year Honours List for his services to children's literature. He died on March 21, 1997, in Rodborough, Stroud, England, United Kingdom.