Ronald P. Thomas “Turtle”, 66, of Mansfield passed away after an extended illness Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 at the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland.
He was born July 23, 1948 in Galion to the late Richard C. Thomas and Marcella A. (McCartney) Thomas. He married Barbara (Robertson) Thomas Dec. 31, 1995 and she survives.
Ron was a 1966 graduate of Galion High School and served with the United States Navy on the USS Yosemite during Vietnam. He started working at North Electric Co. in Galion, later working in the Telecommunications industry. Ron loved all Ohio sports teams. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball and tennis and later in life, coaching his daughters’ basketball teams. He was fond of boating on Lake Erie and 1960’s and 70’s rock music. A member of American Legion Scarbrough Post 243 and Galion Elks Lodge 1191, Ron never met a stranger and will be remembered for his great sense of humor.
In addition to his wife Barbara, he is survived by his daughters, Carly Rae Thomas of Columbus, Rachel DeAnn (Edward) Ostrander of Corvallis, Ore. and Alyson Ronee Thomas and her fiancé, Cameron McCoy of Dayton; sisters, Charmaine (Chris) Bartlett of Columbus and Linda (Gary) Epley of Galion.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014 at Snyder Funeral Home Richardson Davis Chapel, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio. Military honors will be held at 1 p.m. by the United States Navy and the Galion/Crestline Veterans Military Funeral Detail. A luncheon will follow the service at the American Legion Post #243, 118 South Market St. Galion.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home Richardson Davis Chapel in Galion is honored to serve the family of Ronald Thomas, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
