Marshall E. Thomas, 92, of Indiana, passed away Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at Moorehead Place in Indiana.
A son of the late George Adam and Bessie May Hawkin Thomas, he was born June 27, 1925, in Kittanning.
Mr. Thomas attended the Boyer Schoolhouse in Armstrong County and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was affectionately named Pap by all who know him. Mr. Thomas worked as a carpenter and millwright his whole life. He was part of the building personnel who constructed the Keystone, Homer City, Shawville and Conemaugh Power Stations. Mr. Thomas also participated in the construction of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the Kittanning Hospital. He also worked at the coal gasification plant in Homer City for six years. Mr. Thomas was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he played softball until he was in his 70’s. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge 313 F & A.M and a 32 Degree Mason of the Coudersport Consistory. Mr. Thomas was a scout master, a coach for the Indiana Little League and the church league basketball. He taught himself to play seven instruments including the harmonica, guitar, mandolin, accordion, piano, banjo and the fiddle. Mr. Thomas was a longtime bowler and loved to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels. Mr. Thomas and his late wife, Frances, enjoyed many years in Florida. Locally, they were part of the Modern Square Dancers and enjoyed camping in their RV, along with the other campers in the Pinees Camping Club. He had been camping in Potter County since 1943.
He is survived by three sons: Rodney Thomas and wife Valerie, of Rural Valley; Randy Thomas and wife Donna, of Indiana; and Curt Thomas and wife Darla, of Indiana; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Frances Moore Thomas; and a sister, Helen Schrecengost.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Greg Golden officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Robinson-Lytle, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
The family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 398 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701 or Divine Destiny Ministries, 207 Old Rt. 119 Hwy S, Indiana, PA 15701.
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