Donald E. Thomas

Aug. 7 , 1926-April 8, 2011

OBERLIN, Kansas -- Donald E. Thomas, 84, died Friday (April 8, 2011) at Decatur Health Systems in Oberlin.

He was born Aug. 7, 1926, in Salina, Kansas to Albert and Mary (Fisher) Thomas. He was raised in Salina where he received his education.

He was a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He lived in Salina, Goodland, Kansas and Oberlin.

He married Marie J. Nelson on Aug. 5, 1946, in Wichita, Kansas.

He worked as a salesman for Nobel Foods.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie on Jan. 30, 2011; brother, James Thomas; and sister, Margaret Murray.

Survivors include his sons, Donald Thomas Jr. and wife, Janet of Columbia Falls, Montana, and Dennis Thomas and wife, Kaylene of Oberlin; brother, Kent and wife, Mary Thomas of Kansas City, Kansas; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Graveside services are Tuesday, 11 a.m., at the Oberlin Cemetery in Oberlin with the Rev. Steven Thomas officiating. Interment is in the Oberlin Cemetery.

There is no visitation.

Memorials may be made in his name.

Condolences may be left online at www.paulsfh.com.

Pauls Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.