John H. Thomas, 86, of Mansfield, passed away Friday, March 6, 2015 at Kingston of Ashland. Mr. Thomas was born January 30, 1929, in Mansfield, Ohio, and had lived there all his life.
He retired from General Motors, Ontario, Ohio, after 30 years of service. He was a life long member of First Christian Church, Mansfield, having served as a leader of the Church Chi-Rho youth group in 1960s and later as an Elder and Diaconate. Mr. Thomas served as a leader for Indian Guides, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He served four years on Mansfield City Council and also spent twelve years as Chairman of the Central Committee of the Richland County Republican Party.
Mr. Thomas served as President of a grade school PTA, President of Mansfield Senior High Band Boosters Club and then President of the Malabar High School Band Boosters Club. He served 14 years as a Board Member of the Richland County Election Board. Mr. Thomas helped form, and was a charter member of, the General Motors Salaried Retiree Club in Mansfield. He was a long-time member of the Mansfield Liederkranz and veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War and at the end of WWII. He was a past board member of the Bridgewater Condominium Association. His favorite activity was playing cards with his wife and friends.
Surviving are his wife of over 60 years, Ann (Augustine) Thomas of Mansfield; one daughter and son-in-law, Diane and David Kinton of Columbus; one son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Patricia Thomas of Fredericktown; two grandsons, Travis Thomas and Tyler Thomas and his wife, Teia; one granddaughter, Tricia Thomas; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine Katherine Staninger Thomas and Paul Thomas, Sr.; a sister, Marjory Thomas; and two brothers, Paul Thomas, Jr. and James Thomas.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 14, 2015, from 10-11 a.m. in the First Christian Church. Rev. Gregory Bibler will conduct the memorial service at 11a.m. Burial will be held at a later date in Mansfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Christian Church, 200 W. Third St., Mansfield, OH 44902.
The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.
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