May 1, 1916 – Aug. 9, 2012
Donald J. Thomas, 96, died Aug. 9, 2012 in Palm Desert, Calif.
He was born May 1, 1916 in Paulding County, Ohio, to Minnie (Font) Thomas and Raymond Thomas, the oldest of eight siblings.
He joined the National Guard and was later inducted into the regular Army prior to World War II.
After spending 30 years in the service, he retired with the rank of major. Semi-retiring to Arizona, he worked as a premium state auditor for Continental Insurance, both in California and Arizona.
He married Estella (Peggy) Biglow, a registered nurse, in 1940. She died in 1978, on a visit to Sweet Home. He then met Norma Banke and they were married in 1979.
The Thomases resided in Sweet Home until Norma died in 2006. Mr. Thomas relocated to Palm Desert, where he lived until his passing.
He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Sweet Home Elks and the Retired Officers Association.
He was a member of the Fir Lawn Lutheran Church in Sweet Home and the Hope Lutheran Church in Palm Desert.
Mr. Thomas is survived by a brother Loren Thomas, of Ohio; a sister, Evelyn Diesler of Ohio; daughter Sharon Lewis of Vacaville, Calif.; son Jerry Thomas of Palm Desert, Calif; stepson Robert Banke, Kent, Wash.; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service and burial were held Aug. 20 at Green Acres Memorial Park and Cemetery in Scottsdale, Ariz.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sweet Home Elks #1972, 440 Osage St., Sweet Home, OR. 97386-1320.