He was born Feb. 3, 1941, in Sterling, Ill., to Harry C. and Rowena Mae (Cox) Thomas. He married Carol Faye Parks on July 4, 1994, in Elkhart.

She survives at home along with two daughters, a son and three brothers who live throughout the United States.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Elkhart DAV Post 19, followed by military honors performed by the post's Burial Honor Guard. Friends and family will gather for dinner and fellowship afterward. Cremation has taken place.

Mr. Thomas worked as an electrician at Patriot Homes in Elkhart for five years until the plant moved this past year. He became ill shortly afterward. An avid sports enthusiast, he could always be found rooting for the Chicago Bears, Bulls and White Sox. He enjoyed NASCAR, collecting things and going to the boat every now and then with his wife.

Mr. Thomas was a U.S. Navy veteran from the Vietnam era and a member of Elkhart VFW 88, Elkhart DAV 19 and Bristol American Legion 143.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.