Harley Eugene Thomas

Harley E. Thomas, 89, of Chillicothe, passed from this life on Thursday morning, Feb. 3, 2011 in the Adena Regional Medical Center. He was born Apr. 17, 1921 in Washington County, OH, the son of James Elmer and Myrtle Mae (Mendenhall) Thomas. On Apr. 19, 1942 he married Cora Mae Jourden with whom he shared 68 years together. Surviving is a daughter, Kay and her husband, John O'Connor, Ocala, FL, a son, David R. Thomas, Dayton, OH, grandchildren, John D. O'Conner, Jr. and Matthew O'Connor, a great grandchild, Dexter J. O'Connor and several nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents, sisters, Opal Colburn and Helen Parker and brothers, Lloyd and Paul Thomas preceded him in death. During WW II, he served in the U.S. Army, in the Pacific Theatre as a Master Sergeant in the Quartermaster Corp. Harley was a store manager for the Kroger Company, with 38 years of service, retiring in 1986. He was a 47 year member of Walnut St. United Methodist Church and served as an usher for many years. He was a member and Past Master of Scioto Lodge #6, F&AM, The Chillicothe York Rite Bodies and was an Honorary Eminent Commander of Chillicothe Commandery #8, KT, Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus, Aladdin Shrine Temple, Ross County Shrine Club, Eastern Star Chapter 419, American Legion Post 62 and was a Charter Member of VFW Post 9893, Albany, OH. Harley had served as building manager and a director of the Masonic Temple Association. He was a devoted member of the Craft and will be sadly missed. Together, with his wife, they were long-time volunteers for the American Red Cross during blood drives. A devoted husband and father, he enjoyed being outdoors and working in his yard. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 in the Walnut St. United Methodist Church with Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Alexander Cemetery, Albany, OH with military honors by the Albany VFW, Athens VFW and Athens American Legion. The family will receive friends at the FAWCETT OLIVER GLASS AND PALMER FUNERAL HOME from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, with an Eastern Star service at 4:30 pm and a Masonic service at 5:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or to Walnut St. UM Church.