He died peacefully in Stroud , Gloucestershire , on 21 March 1997 , at the age of 85 .
Awdry was awarded an OBE in the 1996 New Year 's Honours List , but by that time his health had deteriorated and he was unable to travel to London .
Awdry died peacefully in Stroud , Gloucestershire , on 21 March 1997 , at the age of 85 .
Awdry was awarded an OBE in the 1996 New Year 's Honours List , but by that time his health had deteriorated and he was unable to travel to London .