Gerald Thomas, 85, World War II Veteran

He was born July 27, 19921 in Lorain and had been a lifelong Lorain area resident.

Gerald served with the US Navy during World War II aboard the USS Lexington as an Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 5 Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Stars and the World War II Victory Medal.

He sailed the Great Lakes with the Pittsburgh Steamship Company. He worked as a carpenter with Local #305 based out of Youngstown for 60 years.

Gerald was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Lorain and a life member of VFW Post #451 of Lorain. He was an avid fisherman, captain of his bowling team and enjoyed golf. He played baseball and softball in Lorain City leagues, were he was a catcher.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lillian L. Thomas (nee Wright), daughters Sandra A. Siebenaller of New Riegel and Sharon K. Motolik of Wakeman, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, sister Mary Lou Thomas of Moorefield, West Virginia and brothers Joe Thomas and Carl Thomas, both of Lorain. He was preceded in death by his son Gary J. Thomas on January 1, 2006, parents Joseph and Mary Thomas (nee Ignatko), sister Magdaline Schweinberg and brothers Walter Thomas and Leonard Thomas.

Private family funeral services were held Wednesday. The Rev. Joseph West, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church of Lorain, officiated. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where the Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of Lorain conducted military honors.

Memorial contributions can be mad to New Life Hospice/CHP Foundation, 3600 Kolbe Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053 or St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1305 E. Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio, 44052.

Arrangements were under the direction of Gluvna Shimo Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain.

Online condolences may be made at www.gluvna.net