Gerald Emmert Thomas, 85, of 214 N. Tamarack St., died at 3:15 p.m. Nov. 2, 2008, in his residence.
He was born March 20, 1923, in Etna Green, to Frank B. and Nellie B. Heisler Thomas. On Oct. 11, 1942, he married Doris Irene Thomas, who died Oct. 5, 2008.
A lifetime Kosciusko County resident, he was a welder and expeditor for Zimmer Inc. from 1951-85. After retiring, he worked at Munson Chevrolet, Warsaw. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 49 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126, all in Warsaw. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the field artillery. He was Santa to children for more than 30 years.
Surviving are a daughter, Sandy K. Nellans, Warsaw; a son, Richard "Rick" (and spouse Penny) Thomas, Warsaw; four grandchildren: Stacy Jones, Warsaw; Scot Thomas, Pace, Fla.; Shawn Thomas, Avon, Ohio; and Tiffany Thomas, Indianapolis; and five great-grandchildren, Jordan Jones and Connor, Dylan, Garrett and Carmen Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, with the Rev. Andy Martin officiating and with military honors by members of American Legion Post 49 and VFW Post 1126. Burial will be at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
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Memorials to Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice Inc., P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46580-1196.
Condolences may be sent to mchattonsadlerfuneral chapels.com
