Lowell W. Thomas, age 85, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2014 at Evergreen Manor in Montpelier, Ohio. He was born on April 29, 1928 in Sylvania, Ohio, the son of Wesley and Flossie (Poorman) Thomas. He graduated from Fayette High School in 1947 and spent his entire life in the Fayette, Archbold and Bryan areas. He was self-employed for 18 years in Archbold operating a service station, wrecker and road service business for several large trucking companies, covering a 200 mile radius of Archbold. He also drove school bus for the Archbold schools for several years. He had a lot of fond memories of his relationships he had with all the kids and their parents. He derived great satisfaction out of the things he accomplished with his wrecker service. He also worked for Power Train in Defiance for 23 years, retiring in 1992.
He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Montpelier. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge #179 in West Unity, and a member of the United Auto Workers, Local 211 in Defiance.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Teresa Adams. He married Donna (Goshorn) Barnard on August 3, 1968, and she survives. He is also survived by sons, Bill Thomas of Defiance, Lee Thomas of Hillsdale, MI, daughter, Linda (Russel) Cole of Osseo, MI, step-son, James (Rochelle) Barnard of Hillsdale, MI, step-daughter, Sara (Tom) Van Horn of Rapid City, SD, sister, Doris Collar of Addison, MI, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and six step-grandchildren.
The family requests that memorial contributions be given to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com.
