Herbert Lee Thomas, age 88 of Dayton, Ohio passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023, after a brief illness.
Herbert was the youngest born to William L. Thomas and Lela Belle Thomas on February 10, 1935, in Lewisville Arkansas. In 1941, Herbert's family migrated to Richmond, California. In 1954 Herbert graduated from Richmond High School.
Herbert joined the United States Air Force in 1954 and served four years. During this time, he met the love of his life, Mary E. Thomas, and began their family. After his brief four-year enlistment, Herbert had a brief career working at a factory which made him realize that he wanted to continue his career in the Air Force. Herbert reenlisted in the Air Force and embarked in a career in communications. His military service would take him and his family to many different USAF bases in the United States and overseas. Herbert's career brought him to Wright Patterson Air Force Base where he continued his military service until retirement in 1976. He was also a Charter Member at the Legion 776 in Riverside where he made several longtime friendships with his fellow comrades.
Herbert then became employed with General Motors Delco Division until his retirement in 1998.
Herbert's hobby was spending time working on properties he purchased throughout the years. He was a mentor of sorts to the young men in his neighborhood, giving them sound advice about working toward a future further than they could see.
Herbert was a great father and provider for his family. He was an even greater grandfather and a softy when it came to his grandchildren.
Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lela Thomas, his brother James Thomas (Helen), his sister, Lela Tillie Hazzard (Arthur), his ex-wife, best friend and love of his life, Mary E. Thomas, and his son Anthony S. Thomas.
He leaves behind his surviving children. Charles E. Thomas (Debbi), Herbert K. Thomas (Delores), Robert D. Thomas (Mary Beth), Regina L. Thomas-Bryant, Jason W. Thomas and Maxine S. Thomas. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Stacy, Michael, Jason, John, Mary Anne, Emily, Amaya, Anthony, Alexander and Sanai. He was also blessed to witness his great-grandchildren, JaVonte', Alba and Jorge. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Services will be held on October 7, 2023, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45424. Family will receive friends and family from 9:30am-10:30 am. Services for Herbert will begin at 10:30 am.
Interment will be at Forest Hills Memory Gardens 11890. N. Dixie Dr. Tipp City, Ohio 45371.
To share a memory of Herbert or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Herbert's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time.
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