Joseph H. Thomas

Joseph H. Thomas passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024 at the age of 81 with his daughter Colleen Thomas, son-in-law Ron Davies, and granddaughter Catie Davies by his side. He is also survived by his daughter Maggie Thomas. Joe was born on June 17, 1943, to the late Joseph W. Thomas and Mary C. Thomas (nee O’Malley), the second of eleven children. In 1962, he graduated from Center Line High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he served as a helicopter flight/ground crew chief. In 1971, Joe married the love of his life, Mary Alice Thomas (nee McMenemy) and they were married for 40 years until Mary’s death. 

Joe began his career as a carpenter and architectural draftsman, working in the construction industry and eventually starting his own construction business. He earned an associate degree in Supervision & Technology for Construction Processes from the University of Toledo after which he joined Penta County Vocational School to develop the building services training program for adult education and the corporate services group. 

In retirement, Joe was an avid golfer and reconnected with his love of movies – he had an encyclopedic knowledge of Hollywood films made from the 1930s to the present day. He enjoyed cooking and loved art, especially glasswork and landscape painting of the western United States. He was fascinated by history and politics and liked a good debate about current events. Joe will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Please consider making a donation in memory of Joe to the Toledo Museum of Art (https://toledomuseum.org/donate) or the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program (https://www.toysfortots.org/support-us/).