Howard Hamerly Thomas, 74, of Goldendale, Wash., died Feb. 5, 2008, after a short illness.
He was born Dec. 1, 1933 in Atlantic, Pa., and was married on July 10, 1959 to Nancy, his wife of 48 years.
As a land surveyor with various departments of the U.S. Government, he and his family lived in a number of areas throughout the Southwest before settling in Lebanon where he retired after 25 years of government service. He worked with private surveyors in Lebanon and Afton, Wyo. before moving to Goldendale, Wash. in 1998.
“Retirement” in Goldendale included bowling in local leagues, reading, traveling, and home and garden improvement projects. He was a member of Goldendale United Methodist Church. He took great pride in caring for his church, where he also served as a trustee. He was a member of the American Legion, having served in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son Michael and daughter-in-law Sharlene Thomas, daughters, Selina and son-in-law Bill Hurst, Cathy and son-in-law Terry Traver, and Nancy Ann and son-in-law Casey Tharp, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by a son, Russell Lyle; his parents, a brother and a sister.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on March 15 at Goldendale United Methodist Church with Pastor Pat Beeman officiating.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Goldendale United Methodist Church, 109 E. Broadway, Goldendale, WA 98620. 509-773-4461.
Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel of Goldendale handled cremation arrangements.