Ronald L. Thomas

Ronald L. Thomas, 75, of Chandlersville, reached out peacefully and took the hand of Jesus to go home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, while a patient at The Ohio State University Ross Heart Hospital in Columbus, where he said his final goodbyes to his family that he loved very much. 

Ron was born on October 21, 1946 in Zanesville to the late David and Ferrell Louise (Smith) Thomas. He graduated from Philo High School in 1966. Following high school, Ron proudly served our country in the United States Army, including one year in Vietnam. He married his high school sweetheart, Martha Shaver, on May 15, 1969. 

Ron worked for AK Steel in Zanesville for 33 years, where he retired in 2002. He was a member of the Duncan Falls Baptist Church, and he looked forward to attending services each Sunday that he could go. Ron was a member of the George Selsam VFW Post #1058, American Legion Post #29, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #302, past treasurer of the Eagle Riders and past president of Chandlersville Youth League where he coached several baseball teams. 

Ron enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, hunting, taking long rides in the country with his wife, and being with his family. He especially enjoyed attending his grandsons’ sporting events. Ron looked forward to eating breakfast at Tee Jaye’s with AK Retirees and Vietnam Veterans. One of his many delights in life was to make others laugh – usually in his own ornery sort of way. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Martha (Shaver) Thomas; his sons, David (Tori) Thomas and Dennis Thomas; his two grandsons, Cole and Hunter Thomas – who brought him untold joy, love, and happiness. Ron claimed his grandson Cole’s girlfriend, Shelby Fortner, as his very special “adopted” granddaughter. 

Ron is also survived by his sister, Linda (Charles) Cox; two brothers, Lowell (Rita) Thomas and Willis (Pat) Thomas; sisters-in-law, Carol (Gerald) Wagner, and Dixie (Don) Paul; brother-in-law Bruce (Christie) Shaver; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

In addition to his parents, Ron is preceded in death by his sisters Edith Harber and Louella Leis; and by his brothers Arthur Thomas and Donald Thomas. 

Visitations will be from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at the Farus Funeral Home of Duncan Falls, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 am. Pastor Gerry Wade will officiate the service. Ron will be laid to rest in the Duncan Falls Cemetery with full military honors provided by George Selsam VFW Post #1058, American Legion Post #29, and the United States Army Honor Guard. 

At the family’s request, memorial contributions may be made in Ron’s name to the Duncan Falls Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 228, Duncan Falls, OH, 43734. 

Ron’s last instructions to us were that he would be waiting “Just inside the gate” for us in heaven. His last reference to music was Alan Jackson’s “I want to Stroll Over Heaven With You By My Side”. He’s looking forward to seeing you all again. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16

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