David Thomas
January 9, 1928 — March 15, 2013
VAN WERT, Ohio - David T. Thomas, 85, of Van Wert, formerly of Grover Hill, Ohio, died early Friday morning, March 15, 2013, at Van Wert Hospital.
He was born Jan. 9, 1928, in Morenci, Mich., to the late Rosie (Adams) Thomas and John W. Thomas.
His wife, Beverly (Knotts) Thomas, survives of Van Wert. They were married for 62 years.
Other survivors include children: Julia (Manuel) Rhodes, Susan Moorman, Paula J. (Danny) Mullins and Steven (Melissa) Thomas, all of Van Wert, grandchildren: Calvin Rhodes, Rebecca Dull, Amber Etzler, Jason Mullins, John Moorman, Amanda Bragg, Jennifer Chavarria and Jessica Morefield, and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brothers: John E. and Clarence W. Thomas, brother-in-law: James C. Knotts and sister: Mary Ankney.
He retired from General Electric in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and had formerly been a Paulding County Sheriff reserve officer.
He was a member of the former Grover Hill Church of Christ. He was a United States Army veteran of 101st Airborne Division, Grover Hill volunteer fireman, a member of Van Wert American Legion and Van Wert F.O.P., Van Wert U.S.B.C. Bowling Association board member and had been inducted into its Hall of Fame. He bowled in the Van Wert Tuesday Night Industrial League.
Dave loved his grandchildren, his cars, was an avid coin collector and bowler.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 18 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory. The Rev. Paul Miller will officiate. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Sunday, March 17 at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is American Cancer Society or American Heart Association or Van Wert Men's Bowling Association.