Raymond W. Thomas

Watch the Video Tribute Raymond W. Thomas, 89, of Zanesville died at Select Specialty Hospital at 5:25 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2006 . He was born August 25, 1916 in Madison Twp., Muskingum Co., a son of the late Ira W. And Ada Gadd Thomas. Ray graduated from Salem-Adams High School in Adamsville. He was a veteran of world War II serving in the United States Coast Guard three years and three months. In 1949 he organized Ray Thomas Cabinet Shop where he built and installed custom kitchens as well as building new homes. In 1955 he organized Ray Thomas Lumbertown and continued as owner and manager until his retirement in 1981. Ray was a longtime member of Market Street Baptist Church where he served various terms on the board of trustees. He was a 61 year member of Hubbard Masonic Lodge # 220 F&AM in Adamsville, affiliated with all masonic bodies, Zanesville Chapter 9, Royal Arch Masons, Zanesville Council # 12, Royal and Select Masons, Cyrene Commandery # 10, Muskingum Co Association of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cambridge, Aladdin Temple Shrine, Zavi Shrine Club, was a longtime member of Sertoma International, past member of West Muskingum School Board, organized the Northeast District of the East Muskingum Water Authority, and served on that board for 23 years, Muskingum Co. Planning Committee, Muskingum Co. Childrens Service Board, member of Ohio University Coordinating Council, member of Zanesville Art Center Trustee. Mr. Thomas was invited to serve as a director of First Federal Savings and Loan in 1972 and served their board for 15 years until his retirement. In 1983 Ray helped organize the Scholarship Foundation for Muskingum Area Technical College and served as President the second year and was a member of the board until his death. In 1990 the College conferred him with the Honorary Degree of Associate of Public Service. In 1985 Mr. Thomas helped organize the Muskingum Co. Community Foundation served as its first president for six years and was honored by being named President Emeritus. In 1991 Mr. Thomas received the honor of being selected to receive the Bob and Delores Hope-Good Samaritan Award. He was a past member of Zanesville Chamber of Commerce, past member of the board of Habitat for Humanity, past member of the board of Muskingum Co. Historical Society and in 1997 Ray was awarded the Commitment to Excellence Award by the Muskingum Valley Boy Scout Council and to the James E. West Fellow by the Boy Scouts of America. Surviving are two sons, Corley (Melodie) Thomas and Ronald (Betsy) Thomas, four grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) Thomas, Josh ( Jessica) Thomas, Monica Thomas, and Matthew ( Kalee) Thomas, great grandchildren, Ryan, Kirsten & Zachary Thomas and one expected great grandson in August. two sisters, Clara Tyson of Zanesville and Lillian St Clair of Columbus, three nephews and two nieces. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Eva Louise Henke Thomas, who died October 7, 1999, a brother, Edwin I. Thomas and a nephew. Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 26, 2006 at Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church .Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at the Market Street Baptist Church, 140 North 6th Street, Zanesville with Rev. D. Scott Johnston officiating. Burial will follow at Zanesville Memorial Park with VFW George Selsam Post 1058 holding full military rites at the grave. Hubbard Lodge # 220 will hold Masonic Services at 5:45 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Ray's name may be made to: Muskingum County Community Foundation credited to Raymond W. And Eva L. Thomas permanent Trust for the benefit of the Market Street Baptist Church. To view the Video-Tribute of Ray's life or to send a note of condolence to the family: www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com