John Edwin (Jack) Thomas, 86, of Oak Hill, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday at Heartland of Jackson surrounded by the love, comfort, and care of his family.
Jack was born on May 30, 1928 in Oak Hill to Elizabeth (Jones) and Luther Thomas. On June 11, 1950, he was married to Margaret (Peg) Weaver. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Evan, Anne, David, Margaret and Norma.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Peg, and his daughters, Lynda Thomas, Boston, MA; Sue Smith and her husband, Mike of Grove City, OH; and Beth Howard and her husband John, Cape Cod, MA. In addition, surviving are four grandchildren, T.J., Framingham, MA; Whitney, Medford, MA; Meghan and her husband Jake Smith and Brittany, all of Grove City, OH, and one great-grandchild, Sawyer. In addition, he leaves his beloved dog, Rusty, and many nieces and nephews.
Jack was a prominent, life-long resident of Oak Hill, graduated from Oak Hill High School where he was a member of the football and basketball team, and attended Rio Grande University. He was employed for 71 years at Kuhner-Lewis Funeral Home and was a licensed funeral director. In addition, he owned and operated Thomas Monument Company. He first attended services at the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church in his father’s arms and was a very active member for all of his life. Each Sunday, his strong tenor could be heard as part of the church choir. He also sang proudly and enthusiastically in the Oak Hill Community Choir.
He was a 60-year member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio and a member of the Oak Hill Order of Eastern Star serving as a Past-Patron. In addition, he was an elected member of the Cemetery Board and a member of the Oak Hill Chamber of Commerce which honored him with an Outstanding Employee Award in 2012. He was a past Grand Marshal of the Oak Hill Festival of Flags and for more than 20 years, he organized and directed the pancake breakfast, which was a highlight of the Festival activities. In 2012, he was honored with the Hall of Honor Award of Oak Hill High School. For many years, he was an active member at the Franklin Valley Golf Course and could be found on the course with his “golf buddies” swinging away.
Jack was fond of telling others that he was a “T.A.W.” and was very proud of his Welsh heritage. He was also a dedicated Ohio State Buckeye fan and spent many years as part of the Buckeye Boosters attending OSU football games with his “Booster Family” throughout the country.
With a dedication to life, family and travel, Jack gave love to so many and never passed judgment on anyone, neither for appearance nor status in life. He truly had a devotion to his immediate and extended family, music, sports, and most certainly his community. He was a wonderful human being.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church with Pastor Linda Plummer and Rev. Herman Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in C.M. Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday, June 3, 2014 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Oak Hill.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 184, Oak Hill, Ohio 45656 and Oaks United, P.O. Box 152, Oak Hill, Ohio 45656. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com
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