(Montpelier High School Graduate)
Veteran
George E Thomas, 97, of Montpelier passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Hillside Country Living in rural Bryan on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
He was born on March 29, 1926 in Montpelier to Benjamin Franklin and Anna Lovina (Farlee) Thomas. George graduated from Montpelier High School.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII. On March 12, 1949 he married Annabelle Kumnick in Montpelier, and she survives.
George was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Montpelier. In 1987, he retired after 40 years as an engineer on the Norfolk & Southern Railroad.
He started his career on steam engines as a Fireman on the Wabash Railroad. George enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, especially ice fishing.
In he and Annabelle’s spare time, they enjoyed travelling throughout the United States. The two of them also built and lived in the same home for 63 years, which is located two miles west of Montpelier on the family farm.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Annabelle; children Mark (Polly) Thomas of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Debbie (Greg) Still of Russellville, Kentucky and Jill (Rob) Shepard of Lyons, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Tynes “Cara” Steinmetz, Meredith “Lane” Thomas, Lindsey Manton, Westley Rogers, Katie Audette, Drew Shepard, and David Shepard; seven great grandchildren George & Ella Manton, Lilly & Luke Audette, and Tripp, Brody & Kasen Shepard; and sister Millie Kepler of Libertyville, Illinois.
George was preceded in death by his parents, sister Myrtie Thomas, who died as a child, and three brothers Harold, LeRoy and Paul Thomas.
A time to receive family and friends for George will be on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 10 am – 12 noon at the First United Methodist Church, 1300 East Main Street in Montpelier. Services will follow at 12 noon at the church with Reverend Bruce Tumblin to officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier.
Memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church or Hillside Country Living Activity Fund.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
