William L. Thomas

William L. “Bill” Thomas, age 62, 345 Railroad St., Bloomsburg, died at his home early Sunday, November 27, 2011, and was pronounced dead at 11:02 a. m. He had been in failing health for several years.

Born in Berwick on Feb. 3, 1949, he was the son of the late Paul J. and Kathryn L. (Stroup) Thomas. He resided in Bloomsburg most of his life and was a 1968 graduate of Bloomsburg High School.

Bill was employed by Penn DOT for 30 years as an equipment operator before retiring in 2001.

An avid hunter, he was of the United Methodist faith.

Bill served with the US Marine Corps in Vietnam for two years, earning the rank of Corporal. He was a member of Ft. McClure Post 804, VFW and for many years Bill arranged the military services for deceased veterans and members of  the Post, until his health failed.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Gordon L. “Gordy” Thomas on July 7, 2007 and Paul J. Thomas, Jr., on Nov. 13, 2008.

Bill is survived by a sister, Deborah K. Utt, Bloomsburg, and a number of nieces and nephews, including: Kathryn J. “Katie” Thomas and Gordon P. Thomas, both of Bloomsburg who were his caregivers.

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 a. m. in the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg, with the Rev. Allen F. Acor, pastor of the Mooresburg-Hendrickson United Methodist Churches officiating. Interment with military honors by the combined VFW group will be in Elan Memorial Park, Lime Ridge.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p. m.