Samuel Philip Thomas , 95, of Wheeling, WV, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2015 in his home.
Samuel was born September 29, 1920 in Steubenville, OH, but was raised in Wheeling, WV. son of the late John and Zarifee (Naufel) Thomas.
He was a 35 year, retired teacher for Marshall County Schools, US Army Veteran, received his bachelor degree at West Liberty State College and his masters at WVU, member of St. Michaels Catholic Church, member of the Knights of Columbus #504, member of the Elm Grove YMCA and loved to paint pictures.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters, Martha Thomas, Madeline Blaha and Mildred Pelley.
Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Marian “Idale” (McLaughlin) Thomas of Wheeling; four sons, Matthew (Mindy) Thomas of Moundsville, WV, Jeff Thomas of Wheeling, Donald (Sharon) Thomas of Cary, NC and Michael (Susan) Thomas of Valley Grove, WV; brother, George (Mary) Thomas of Wheeling; eight grandchildren, Ginny (Mike) Blake, Skylar, Trent, Erin, Phillip and Brien Thomas, and Jessica and Jimmy West and six great grandchildren, Keirstan, Koleby and Donnie Richmond III, Tyler and Ellie Auber and Jourdyce West.
Friends will be received 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2015 at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Elm Grove Chapel, 154 Kruger Street, Wheeling, where a vigil service will be held at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, October 3, 2015 at ST. Michaels Catholic Church with Rev. Jeremiah McSweeney serving as Celebrant.
Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling. WV.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church, 1225 National Road, Wheeling, WV or to a charity of your choice.
On line condolences may be offered at www.altmeyer.com
I owe so much to Mr.Thomas and the Thomas family. Sam had a great ride.He will be missed!
Mr.T as he wanted to be called was a dear church friend at St Michaels and A shopping friend at Krogers. Always a smile and hug. Many thoughts prayers and concerns to you all. Take care keep the faith and May Gid bless and comfort you. So sore for your loss. Sincerely Sylvia McNeil
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I was a student of Mr. T’s at Washington Lands. Great school and he was a great teacher. Anyone that had him will remember the calisthenics (he called them that) that he would have us do before starting any lessons. I will always remember him doing his jumping jacks! My husband is a social studies teacher and I shared this idea with him last night. He loved it! I was very sad to learn of Mr. T’s passing, but what a life he had and what a legacy he leaves behind.
My deepest sympathy to Sam”s family. We were workout friends at the YMCA. Sam was a very special man.
Tom Cerra
My 6th grade teacher
I was one of Mr. Thomas’s student’s at Washington Lands. He was an awesome teacher, very kind! Prayers go out to his family, at this most difficult time. I will never forget him!R.I.P. Mr. Thomas!!
To the Thomas family: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you…Sam was a kind and gentle man and I know he will be greatly missed. He will be welcomed by our Father in Heaven!
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Samuel Philip Thomas, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your work on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of…..
US Army Veteran, Samuel Philip Thomas, “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †