Cover photo for John Richard Thomas's Obituary
John Richard Thomas Profile Photo

John Richard Thomas

July 30, 1947 — October 29, 2020

John Richard Thomas

John R. Thomas, age 73, of 10 Central Avenue, Bloomsburg (Carroll Park) died peacefully at his home at 6:25 a. m. Thursday, October 29, 2020 with his daughters by his side.

Born in Orangeville on July 30, 1947, he was a son of the late Harold and Margaret (Hartman) Thomas. He was a 1965 graduate of Central Columbia High School and resided in Carroll Park since July, 1985.

John served his country as a member of the U. S. Army for 20 years from 1965 to 1985. He was employed by Kawneer, Corp., Bloomsburg for 11 years as an estimator, retiring in 1996.

He was a member of Shiloh Bible Church, Almedia, where he sang in the choir.

John was an active Mason belonging to Oriental Lodge 460, F & AM, Orangeville, where he was a Past Worshipful Master and served as treasurer for many years. He belonged to Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg, where he served as a volunteer in the office for a number of years. He received the 33rd degree in recognition of his Masonic service. He also was a member of Irem Shrine, Dallas.

A member of the Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society, he served as president for several years, retiring recently due to his health.

John was a member of the Espy Fire Co. where he was a past-president and former treasurer and of the Orangeville Fire Co. where he was a former auditor and volunteer at the annual carnival. He served on the Scott Township Planning Commission and worked at the Bloomsburg Fair in security at the Arts and Crafts building. During flood emergencies he volunteered at the 911 center.

He was a member and former commander of the Valley of Bloomsburg Post 273, American Legion, Ft. McClure Post 804, VFW, Bloomsburg Elks Lodge 436 and the Covered Bridges Association. John also served as a volunteer chaplain at the Bloomsburg Hospital for many years.

John was preceded in death by his wife, the former Carol Jean Horn, on June 1, 1992, by four brothers: Hervey R. Thomas, Donald V. Thomas, David H. Thomas and Paul Thomas, by three sisters: Mary Kocher, Deanna Stauffer and Dorothy Creveling.

Surviving are two daughters: Kathy Jean, wife of Anthony Russo and Donna Jean Thomas, a granddaughter, Lillia Carol Quesada, all at home; five siblings: Helen Ann, wife of Dale Davis, Dale E. Thomas, and his wife Bernice, all of Bloomsburg, Shirley Bower, Sweet Valley, Roselyn Smith and Doris Creveling, both of Bloomsburg; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 a. m. in the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg, with his pastor, Rev. Dr. Douglas H. Lyon, officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Orangeville with military honors by the combined American Legion and VFW group. Viewing will be on Sunday from 3-5 p. m. with Masonic services at 5 p. m. by Oriental Lodge 460, F & AM.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Richard Thomas, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Viewing

Sunday, November 1, 2020

3:00 - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)

Dean W. Kriner Funeral Home and Cremation Service

325 Market Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Monday, November 2, 2020

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Dean W. Kriner Funeral Home and Cremation Service

325 Market Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment following funeral service

Monday, November 2, 2020

Laurel Hill Cemetery

Orangeville, PA

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