William R. Thomas

William R. Thomas, 90, of Toledo, OH passed away February 24, 2017 in North Port, Florida. Born in Toledo, OH on December 3, 1926, he was the son of the late Arthur Thomas and Alice Preston. He was a senior at Scott High School when he was called to serve in WWII. A very proud moment! He joined the U.S. Navy serving on the amphibious attack transport USS Telfair in the Pacific. Years later he received an honorary diploma from Scott H.S. Another proud moment! When he returned, he worked at Bud Luke’s where he met his loving bride of 65 years, Dolores “Peg” “Honey” Rutkowski. Quickly thereafter, the eight children came of which he deeply loved each and every one of them. Again, 8 proud moments! Bill was very much a people person and loved managing and serving the public for over 50 years at Thur-O-Wash on Jefferson Avenue. Also, on many occasions after locking up at Thur-O-Wash, he would help at his brother’s restaurant- Bud Luke’s. His outgoing personality was a perfect fit as greeter at Echo Meadows every Sunday and enjoyed giving a friendly hug. He also enjoyed helping the church with many other duties asked of him. Bill had a tremendous generous heart toward helping family, friends and neighbors with any electrical, plumbing, carpentry, landscaping, snow blowing, or for any other needs that would arise. He is survived by his wife, “Honey”, children: Bill, Den (Cindy), Kathy (Jim), Pat (Kenney), Sue (Pam), Jim (Darcee), Dave (Cheryl), Dan (Kelly) and grandchildren: Erik (Michelle), Brent (Jillian), Amanda (Mike), Kaitlin (Pat), Michelle (Brian), Nicole, Michael (Jenny), Adam, Drew, Brooke, Nathan, Austin, Ben, Will, Logan and Jacob. In addition to his parents, William is predeceased by his brother, James, and sisters: Margaret Laas, Pearl Gifford and Bonnie Rogge. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2017 in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.). The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 4, 2017 in the Echo Meadows Church of Christ, 2905 Starr Ave., Oregon, OH 43616 with interment following at Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Church of Christ.