John A. Thomas (1924-2011)

AUGUSTA – John A. Thomas, 87, of Rangeley passed away Thursday, August 4, 2011 at Togus in Augusta.

He was born may 21, 1924 in Eustis, the son of Carl A. and Dorothea (Sylvester) Thomas. He was raised in Eustis and at the King and Bartlett Sporting Camps. He was an outstanding athlete while attending Stratton Schools. John attended Colby College in Waterville until entering the Army. He served in the 594th EB&SR in the South Pacific until injured and honorably discharged. John joined Hathaway Shirt Company in Waterville where he lived and worked for 41 years and became plant manager.

He was married to Jean Ellis, of Stratton, in 1946 and they had two children, John W. who presently resides in North Carolina, and Patricia L. who now resides in Arkansas. John subsequently married Thelma Roberts on October 25, 1952. They have one daughter, Pamela Nobbs of Rangeley.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, skiing, and traveling in their R.V. His favorite place to visit and fish was Alaska. He and Thelma traveled to Europe and to Colorado to ski several times. John also had an extensive collection of stamps and coins which he most enjoyed when, for health reasons, he could no longer be active in the out-of-doors. Following retirement he and Thelma moved to Rangeley to enjoy the beautiful area with wildlife and forest right outside their window. John was an ardent supporter of the Rangeley Region Guides’ and Sportsmen’s Association, serving as Membership Chairman and on the Board of Directors for several years. He also a member of the Rangeley Congregational Church where he served as a Deacon for a time.

John is survived by his wife, Thelma of 58 years; daughters Pamela and Patricia; his son John (Wally); several grandchildren, great grandchildren and his sister Christine Wright of East Vassalboro.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel at The Maine Veterans Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta Friday, Aug. 12, 2011 at noon with Rev. Bill Carter officiating. Donations may be made in his memory to The Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsman’s Association, P.O. Box 244, Rangeley, Maine 04970 or to the Rangeley Congregational Church, 2 High St., Rangeley, Maine 04970. Arrangements under the care of Adams~McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St., Farmington. Condolences may be sent for the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com