OBIT: William E. THOMAS, 2008, native of Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Barry and Betty Christy.

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THOMAS, William E.
July 18, 1936
May 20, 2008

..William E. Thomas, 71, died in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he recently resided.
..He was born July 18, 1936 in Meyersdale where he lived the first nine years of 
his life. He was the son of the late Alma (Staub) Thomas and Ray E. Thomas, 
originally from Meyersdale, then moved the family to Baltimore, MD in 1945.
  Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; brother, Barry S. Thomas and 
grandparents, Nancy (Pugh) Staub and Edward C. Staub Sr.; M. Pearl (Harden) 
Thomas and William H. Thomas were lifelong residents of Meyersdale.
  Bill is survived by sisters: Joan McGuigan, Nancy Britt, and Sharon Haer; 
cousins, nieces and great nieces.
  After graduating high school in Baltimore, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air 
Force, stationed in Savannah, GA with the Strategic Air Command. He traveled to 
Spain, Newfoundland and Morocco. He attended college in Savannah majoring in 
Economics.
  While in Savannah, he was employed with Coco Cola Co. and Colonial Oil as an 
accountant. He met and married Rita Williamson (deceased) in Savannah, where 
they made their home. He was a Mason in Acacia Lodge of the Masonic Order, where 
he was very active thru the years.
  Bill was a patron in Amity Chapter of Eastern Star with his wife Rita 
participating in all activities.
  After the death of Bill's wife, Rita and his retirement, he relocated to New 
Jersey. He was active with organizations giving support and aid throughout the 
community.
  Funeral services were conducted in Baltimore. Interment was in Maryland 
Memorial Park Cemetery, where the U.S. Air Force conducted a military honor 
service May 24, 2008.
  Family and friends will remember Bill loved life, people, and his church.
The New Republic,   June 5, 2008