Raymond L. Thomas

Raymond L. Thomas, age 85, 240 Leonard St., Bloomsburg, died at his home at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2010. He had been in failing health for several years.

Born on May 27, 1925 in Nanticoke, he was a son of the late Jasper and Helen R. (Gruskiewicz) Thomas. He was a graduate of Benton High School in 1943, and resided in Bloomsburg since 1952. Earlier he resided at Elk Grove.

Raymond was employed by the former Magee Carpet Company for 30 ½ years, and last by the John E. Morgan Knitting Company, Hometown, for 10 ½ years, retiring in 1987.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomsburg, where he served as treasurer for 12 years. He also attended St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, Benton. He was a member of Benton Lodge #667, F&AM, for more than 50 years until it merged into Oriental Lodge #460, F&AM, Orangeville, where he was currently a member.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Dorothy J. “Dottie” Kile on January 8, 2003. He was the last of his immediate family. Above all was his undying love for his wife Dorothy, with whom he is now soaring freely with, throughout the heavens.

Left in the flesh to meet another day are his dearest friends, Bob and Gaylene Klinger; and Jim and Sherri Wohlford; all of Bloomsburg.

Raymond was an intelligent, loving, non-judgmental, unassuming and caring man. Not to forget his great sense of humor. He had a great impact on many people and would teach that to really learn you needed to be quiet and listen. To understand life, you need to ignore the hustle and bustle down here and look up. When he discussed a topic, he was articulate and to the point, no beating around the bush. He and his wife Dottie never had any children, so they gave their love and support to any and all who needed it. Many people today are honored to have come in contact with Raymond and Dottie Thomas.

Raymond enjoyed maintaining housing for others and was a master woodworker, making fine tables, cabinets and chests. His favorite wood was cherry. He also enjoyed gardening and collecting special antiques. He also enjoyed sitting on his porch with his friends, as well as the many rides through the countryside with his dear friend Bob.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 7 St. Gabriel’s Hill Road, Benton. Interment in St. Gabriel’s Cemetery.

Friends may call on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Dean W. Kriner, Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg, or at the church on Saturday after 10 a.m. Memorial Services will be conducted on Friday at 7 p.m. by Oriental Lodge #460, F&AM.

Memorials may be sent to the Bloomsburg Public Library, 225 Market St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.