Donald E. Thomas, Sr.

Born in Ashland, Pa., he was the son of the late Earl Thomas and Emily Henninger Thomas.  He was 1962 graduate of the JW Cooper High School in Shenandoah, PA.

Donald served honorably as a Cpl. in the US Marine Corp during the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

He was retired as a Senior Stockman from the Philadelphia Electric Co. of Coatesville, where he was employed for 25 years.

Donald was the past Commander (2005 - 2008) of the V.F.W. #4480 of Parkesburg.  He was a member of the Christiana American Legion, Vice President of the Lancaster Rod and Gun Club, life member of the Rescue Hook and Ladder Co. of Shenandoah, member of the Shenandoah Fireman's Assoc., the 6th County Fireman's Assoc., the V.F.W. of Ashland and the Glover Hill Athletic Club

He is survived by his four beloved children: Krista L. Burkey of Denver, Pa., Tana L. Thomas of Gap, Donald E. Thomas Jr., of Paradise and Dana M. Clifford, wife of Joshua, of Bart Twp.; 8 grandchildren and one great grandchild; and four siblings, Roland Thomas of Shenandoah, Kenneth Thomas, husband of Mary Anne, of Ashland, Pa., Ruth Heffner of Mahanoy City, Pa. and Shirley Wright of Hazelton, PA.

He was predeceased by his nephew, David Hower.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg, Pa. with the Rev. Richard Clifford officiating.  Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing from 9 until 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made The V.F.W. Youth Scholarship Fund at www.vfw.com/contribute

Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com