In Memoriam of Richard William Thomas

Richard William Thomas

June 4, 1931 - May 6, 2010

The Memorial Service with Military Honors for Rich will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at Eagle Point National Cemetery, 2763 Riley Road, Eagle Point, Oregon 97524 (541)826-2511. Pastor Pete Slusher of the Community Bible Church will officiate.

Richard was born to Claude and Anna "Reese" Thomas on June 4, 1931 in Boonsboro, Maryland. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1948 and served in the Korean War with the 19th Bomb group returning state side in November, 1951. He was stationed at Kelly AFB, San Antonia, Texas until his discharge in 1958 with a rank of Staff Sergeant. Richard loved auto and air racing and was part of the Porsche score team at Sebring, Florida. In addition, Richard was an accomplished pilot and enjoyed attending various air races. It was so natural for Richard to choose a career with Porsche Audi dealerships which spanned 35 years. In 1966 Richard married Janice "Jan" Viel; theirs was a love affair for the ages, and true soul mates. They had two children, John and Deborah. Richard was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, cooking, fitness walking, and road trips. The Lord Jesus and his family were most important to him and his little Shih Tzu, Molly, brought him so much joy.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Anna Thomas, three sisters, Edna Moser, Annabell Martz, and Genevieve Harshman, all of Hagerstown, Maryland. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Jan Thomas, his children John Anthony Thomas of Santa Maria, California and Deborah Lynne Thomas Bermea (Andy) of Quartz Hill, California, two grandchildren Drew and Tori Bermea, two brothers, Edwin and Claude Thomas of Hagerstown, Maryland, his dear sister-in-law Denise Viel Davis (Gary) of Grants Pass, Oregon, brothers-in-law Paul J. Vielle (Karen) of Spokane, Washington, Brian J. Viel (Mary) of Hutchinson, Kansas and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to his nieces, Darlene Snyder of Hagerstown, Maryland and Tiffany York of Central Point, Oregon for their heartfelt support.

The family wishes to thank Asante Hospice, especially Marsha, Pam, and Debbie for their tender loving care of Richard.

Conger~Morris Funeral Directors, Medford, Oregon are assisting with arrangements (541) 772-7111.

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