Raymond M. Thomas

Raymond M. Thomas, age 84, of New Philadelphia, passed away Thursday, January 31, 2019, in Amberwood Manor, from complications following a series of strokes.

Born June 24, 1934, in New Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Donald and Katie Arth Thomas. Raymond graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1953, and went on to serve honorably with the United States Army. He was employed by Miller Studio, AAMCO Transmissions, and retired as a bus driver from Starlight Enterprises.

Raymond volunteered for Community Hospice for many years, and was a member of the Barrs Mill Church of God. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a life member of the NRA. Raymond also had a lifelong love of dogs, caring for many over the years.

Survivors include his wife, M. Elaine Wright Thomas, whom he married on November 25, 1961; his children, Sharon (Ron) Paul, Jodi (Don) Coe and Adam Thomas, all of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Ronnie, Gage, Riley, Gabrielle, Katie, Simon and Landon; his sister, Karen (Terry) Crites; his nieces and nephews; and his dogs, Toby and Roxy.

Besides his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his daughter, Shirley Marie Thomas; his sisters, Dorothy Hursey and Judy Clark; and his brother, Gene Thomas.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 9, at 12 p.m., in the Barrs Mill Church of God, military honors and a luncheon will follow. Family and friends are invited to call at the church two hours prior to the service. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Raymond, please visit the obituaries link on the Toland-Herzig website.

The family suggests that contributions in Raymond’s memory be made to Barrs Mill Church of God, 4677 State Route 93 NW, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681, or, Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.