Donald W Thomas

Donald W. Thomas, 92, a native of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, June 10, 2012 surrounded by his loving family in New Dawn Retirement Community.

Born November 1, 1919, he was the son of the late John D. and Bertha (Grosjean) Thomas. In 1937, Don graduated from New Philadelphia High School, and served as chairman of the reunion committee for numerous years.

While enjoying an evening at the Columbia Roller Rink, Don was introduced to Margaret “Peg” Jessup by a mutual friend, Betty Becker. There, a beautiful love story began. On September 21, 1940 in the First Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Don and Peg were united in holy marriage and enjoyed a lifetime of love, laughter, family and friendship for 71 ½ years.

Early in Don’s life, he worked at Hercules Motor and was employed with Valley Farm Supply for 14 years.

He then joined Company K, 165th Infantry Regiment, 34th Division, 5th Army, as a rifleman and first scout. On June 27, 1944, he was wounded in a firefight with a German soldier, for which he received a Purple Heart. He also received a Combat Infantry Badge, the Good Conduct Metal, the European African Mille Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars, and the WWII Victory Medal. Company K received the French Citation Croix De Guerre.

Don’s family was of utmost importance to him. Each year he mapped out the perfect family vacation to many beaches throughout Florida, the Great Smokey Mountains, and western states. During the summer months, they spent many enjoyable hours swimming, barbequing, and watching the sunset at Atwood Lake. As each grandchild was welcomed into the family, he lovingly embraced his or her arrival and added them to the family tree, which he distributed to each family member. In 1964, he began recording treasured family moments on his 8mm and continued that hobby throughout his lifetime.

Don’s professional career as a letter carrier for the New Philadelphia Post Office spanned 27 years before retiring in 1980. After his retirement, he greatly enjoyed reading, watching the Cleveland Indians, and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes. He also continued traveling with family and friends, having visited 47 states.

Most notably, he celebrated his 45th Wedding Anniversary with Peg on a 28-day excursion through Europe. While on that trip, they visited Italy, where he spent 20 months during World War II.

Don’s faith was nurtured at The First United Church of Christ in New Philadelphia where he was a 64-year member and served as a deacon. He was also a strong supporter of The Little Theater and enjoyed his position as a sound manager for 25 years.

He was a member of a variety of organizations throughout the community including the Tuscarawas County Chapter #67 of the Disabled American Veterans for 66 years where he was one of the oldest members in Ohio. There, he served as commander and treasurer for 65 years. Don was also a member of the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445.

Other memberships include the B.P.O.E. Elks #510 of New Philadelphia where he was a life member; the Tuscarawas County Senior Citizens; National Association of Letter Carriers. He was a past member of the Knights of Pythias, the Dover Moose, and the New Philadelphia Garden Club, where he served as president and treasurer.

Don will be deeply missed by his wife, Peg; his daughters, Carole Ann (Kenneth) Finzer of New Philadelphia and Sandra Kay (Richard) Swartzbaugh of Dover; three grandsons, Gregory (Leyla) Finzer, John (Michelle) Swartzbaugh, and Michael (Leslie) Swartzbaugh, all of Columbus; one granddaughter, Debra (Brian) Walker of New Philadelphia; 7 great-grandchildren, Nathan, Daniel and Samantha Walker, Crystal, Jasmine, and Samuel Finzer, and Evan Swartzbaugh; and his niece and nephew, Rebecca (Steve) Rose of Lexington, O. and Alan K. (Karen) Thomas of San Jose, Ca.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward, Garnon, and Willard; his sister, Grace Hertzig; and his niece, Marjorie Hoerbelt.

A service celebrating Don’s life will be held in the First United Church of Christ, 201 Fair Ave., New Philadelphia, on Wednesday, June 13 beginning at 11 a.m. with The Rev. Jeff Gerber officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the church.

Burial will follow the service in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia where the New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445 will render military honors.

Friends are invited to the Geib Family Center, located adjacent to the funeral home, where a meal will be shared following the graveside service.

Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be directed to either The First United Church of Christ, or the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 Attn: Gift Processing.