Edwin O. Thomas
Edwin Thomas Obituary
Edwin O’Neal Thomas, age 84, of Fort Wayne and formerly of Garrett passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020 at his Fort Wayne home.
He was born on September 18, 1935 in Anniston, Alabama.
Mr. Thomas honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps from September of 1956 until September of 1958.
He married Judith M. Dwyer on September 18, 1959 in Auburn. She preceded him in death on January 27, 2019. Judy was the love of his life and after nearly 60 years of marriage this last year was very difficult without her. A couple of his life’s highlights occurred on wedding anniversaries. On their 25th anniversary they were able to take a trip to Hawaii. From Hawaii Ed was able to sail back to California on the USS Kitty Hawk with his son, Kevin, who at the time was serving in the United States Navy. To celebrate their 40th anniversary Ed and Judy were able to take the trip of a life time and tour Europe for a couple of weeks.
Mr. Thomas worked for Garrett Flexible Products for 26 years. He started working there at the age of 16 and then returned there to work after serving in the military. He worked his way up over the years until he was able to serve as the plant manager. After working in Garrett he went to work for Builders Square in Fort Wayne for several years retiring in 1997.
In his earlier years, Ed enjoyed restoring old cars. He was most proud of his 1968 Ford Mustang convertible, which is still in the family. His home was always very important to him as well. He worked hard to provide a good home for his family and he took pride in taking care of it. He could do and fix about anything, he would never need to call a repairman. He also enjoyed woodworking. He would make things from wood and Judy would paint them and they would sell their crafts at different shows and events. He loved to listen to music, especially old country, old gospel and Elvis.
Survivors include:
Son and daughter-in-law; Kevin and Leonarda Thomas of Anniston, Alabama.
Daughter and son-in-law; Tammy and Donald Widek of Fort Wayne.
Daughter and son-in-law; Michaela and Kenneth Walter of Nappanee, Indiana.
7 grandchildren and their spouses; Edwin Thomas, Matthew and Cassie Thomas, Ronald and Bethani Thomas, Hadley Widek, Caitlin Widek, Hannah Walter and Jackson Walter.
11 great grandchildren.
Sister; Gloria England of Hickory, North Carolina.
Brother and sister-in-law; Keith and Lynn Thomas of Young Harris, Georgia.
Brother and sister-in-law; Kenneth and Audrey Thomas of Tacoma, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his mother; Billie Thomas, his wife; Judy Thomas and a special cousin; Ronnie Thomas.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 South Center Street in Auburn.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn with Pastor Jason Rohde of the Nappanee Missionary Church officiating.
Burial will take place at Christian Union Cemetery in Garrett.
Memorial donations may be directed to The Salvation Army, 6031 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46818.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fellerandclark.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.
