RONALD MYRON THOMAS peacefully passed from his earthly home to his home in Heaven on Sunday morning, October 6, 2024, at 91 years of age.

He was born at home in Woodstown, PA, on June 1, 1933, the first of 9 children born to the late Myron Leroy and Ellen Idella (Johns) Thomas. One sibling died shortly after birth. The living siblings are brothers William (Vonnie, dec.), Telford (Philly), Calvin (Darla) and Royden (Sandra) and sisters Esther Mataljan (Steve), Nancy, and Diane who comprise a close and caring family.

His high school years were football, buddies and, thanks to a caring coach/teacher, top grades in science and math. At age 16, at the Maple Springs Church of the Brethren, he was the first of his family to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of his life. He also discovered Doris Ann Flasher singing in the choir there. At age 20, in spite of being blind in one eye from a pitchfork accident, the U.S. Army intercepted both his courtship and his U.S. Steel career. He and Doris were married on a 3-day pass. His salary: $33 a month. The Korean War found him first on the wrestling mat in N.J., then on football fields in Europe playing for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe as he muscled up from 154 lbs. to 210 hard muscles, sang in the Chapel Choir, taught a young boy's Sunday School class, and attained the rank of Corporal.

Returning home, he found work as a Service Tech for Sears for $1.50/hr. and on January 6, 1956, welcomed his pride and joy, son Barry, and later two grandsons, Brandon and Seth. Promotions eventually required a move to New Castle, PA, and from there, after 33 years of service, he retired as Manager of the Class A store at the Eastwood Mall in Niles, OH.

He earned a degree in Old Testament and New Testament studies from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Il. His faith in God, in prayer, and Scripture remained the guiding principles of his life. His faithful church service included Sunday School, Youth Ministries, Church Moderator, Trustee, Elder, parsonage repair person, and helping his first wife decorate the church. He has worshipped at First Baptist Church, New Castle, for 57 years.

His faith was tested when cancer took Doris's life on September 28, 1997. Following that, he struggled through 3 sessions of the grief group sponsored by the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and First Baptist Church, and on March 13, 1999, married Roberta Collins, the leader. Supported by a 60-hour grief certification from the American Association of Christian Counselors. he co-led the group for almost 20 years. The addition of Roberta's two sons, Michael (Wendy) and David-dec. (LeAnne), 6 grandchildren under age 7 and their 2 dogs brightened his life.

Things he loved were hunting, fishing, woodworking to support Doris' business, traveling - especially to Colorado, family, home, church, God and laughter. Even in the worst life could throw at him, he maintained a zest for life, an iconic smile, and God's grace to go on. We will greatly miss him and eagerly look forward to a promised heavenly reunion.

Special appreciation is extended to: Karen Necciai Thomas, his son Barry's wife, for all she has added to the Thomas family; family and friends who visited and prayed; Dr. Amada Carl, his PCP; Dr. Robert Piston, a dear friend and care giver; staff and members of First Baptist Church; and the nurses and staff from Amedisys whose competence and care guided him through his difficult last days.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 984 W. Maitland Lane, New Castle with Pastor Scott Frederick officiating.

Military honors will be performed by the New Castle Area Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to LATCOM, 4133 Ellwood Road, New Castle, PA 16101.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home where online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com