Wilbert Vere Awdry OBE ( 15 June 1911 -- 21 March 1997 ) was an English Anglican cleric , railway enthusiast and children 's author .
The Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry , OBE ( 15 June 1911 -- 21 March 1997 ) , was an English Anglican cleric , railway enthusiast , and children 's author .