Loyd Earnest Thomas
June 8, 2021 at 9:58 p.m.
Loyd Earnest Thomas
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Loyd was born on May 31, 1932, to Ralph and Fladia Eaton Thomas in Billings, Mont., along with his younger twin brother, Floyd (younger by 15 minutes). He graduated from Mentone High School in 1950, then attended Indiana University and Indiana State University for engineering and business. His education led him to a career at Bayer, retiring in 1979, and DePuy, retiring in 1995. Before a family move to Tennessee, Loyd spent a good deal of time working for International Harvester while living in Fort Wayne.
He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955 and spent 2½ years in Japan during the Korean War. While in Japan, during his free time, Loyd helped build a community church and worked closely with an orphanage. He enjoyed many years as a Shriner and supported the Shriners Hospital. He was also a respected member of the Coca-Cola community, collecting for over 52 years.
Loyd is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carol Lee Wildman Thomas, of Lake Mary, Fla., who he married on June 12, 1955; daughter, Rhonda Hawkins, of Lake Mary, Fla.; son, Stephen (Sonia) Thomas, of St. Augustine, Fla.; granddaughters: Katherine (Eamon) Curan, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Anne Hawkins, of Lake Mary, Fla.; Kristina Whalen Thomas, of Orlando, Fla.; and grandson, Jacob Hawkins, of Gainesville, Ga.; great-grandson, Declan Curran, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; along with numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Loyd was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Fladia Thomas; brothers: Everett Thomas, Floyd Thomas; and sister, Helen Holderman.
A Life Celebration® is planned with Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw, where friends and family may gather on Saturday, June 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Titus Community Room for a time of visiting, remembering and refreshments. A memorial service will then follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home with Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus officiating.
Loyd was born on May 31, 1932, to Ralph and Fladia Eaton Thomas in Billings, Mont., along with his younger twin brother, Floyd (younger by 15 minutes). He graduated from Mentone High School in 1950, then attended Indiana University and Indiana State University for engineering and business. His education led him to a career at Bayer, retiring in 1979, and DePuy, retiring in 1995. Before a family move to Tennessee, Loyd spent a good deal of time working for International Harvester while living in Fort Wayne.
He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955 and spent 2½ years in Japan during the Korean War. While in Japan, during his free time, Loyd helped build a community church and worked closely with an orphanage. He enjoyed many years as a Shriner and supported the Shriners Hospital. He was also a respected member of the Coca-Cola community, collecting for over 52 years.
Loyd is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carol Lee Wildman Thomas, of Lake Mary, Fla., who he married on June 12, 1955; daughter, Rhonda Hawkins, of Lake Mary, Fla.; son, Stephen (Sonia) Thomas, of St. Augustine, Fla.; granddaughters: Katherine (Eamon) Curan, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Anne Hawkins, of Lake Mary, Fla.; Kristina Whalen Thomas, of Orlando, Fla.; and grandson, Jacob Hawkins, of Gainesville, Ga.; great-grandson, Declan Curran, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; along with numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Loyd was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Fladia Thomas; brothers: Everett Thomas, Floyd Thomas; and sister, Helen Holderman.
A Life Celebration® is planned with Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw, where friends and family may gather on Saturday, June 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Titus Community Room for a time of visiting, remembering and refreshments. A memorial service will then follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home with Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus officiating.
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