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Lester Lawson Thomas fought a good fight, kept the faith and finished his race Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, in The Hospice House in Poland, Ohio, surrounded by his family. Lester lived the past six years in Masury and had previously lived in Hartford, since 1958. He was 88.
Mr. Thomas was born Jan. 8, 1924, in New Granada, Fulton County, Pa., a son of Howard Thomas and Gertrude Foor Thomas.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Neva F. “Katie” Black, on Feb. 24, 1942; she preceded him in death Feb. 20, 2006. He married his dear friend and caregiver, Delores Condi, on April 3, 2010; she survives at the residence.
Lester proudly served in the Navy (Seabees) starting in May 1942. Being wounded in Okinawa, Lester received a Purple Heart, the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal for his service. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Lester joined the Army, serving stateside in the military police.
His first job after his honorable discharge from the Army was as chief of police in Saxton, Pa. Upon moving to Ohio in 1954, he worked as a security guard, welder, and traveled the world as a foreman/engineer for Coca-Cola. He retired after working at New Life for Girls in Vienna, Ohio.
He loved his God, his country and his family. Always having a great sense of humor, his gentleness and kindness was evident to any who knew him.
Lester was a proud member for 34 years of Victory Christian Center, where his son, David, is pastor and Lester was fondly known by all as “Dad Thomas.”
Survivors, in addition to his wife, are: two sons, Pastor David L. Thomas and his wife Pastor Kathie Thomas, Poland; and Brian Thomas and his wife Becky, Hartford; two daughters, Gail Johnson, Leavittsburg, Ohio; and Joyce and her husband Bill Reese, Cortland; a son-in-law, Dennis Currie, Hermitage; and 21 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 23 great-great-grandchildren.
Besides his first wife, Lester was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Darlene Johnson and Colleen Currie; and two grandchildren.
Memorial contributions will be shared by Victory Compassion Ministries and The Hospice House.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to many for their prayers, love and concern and a special thank-you to each staff member of The Hospice House for the dignity and respect shown to Lester and the family in the last weeks of his earthly life.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
THOMAS
Lester Lawson, 88, Masury, formerly of Hartford.
Calling hours: 5 p.m. to time of service Monday (8-20-12) in Victory Christian Center, Route 422, Coitsville.
Service: Celebration of life service at 7 p.m. Monday in the church.
Burial: Private family and friends burial on Tuesday (8-21-12) at Crown Hill Burial Park, Vienna.
Arrangements by SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington.
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Lester Lawson Thomas
Lester Lawson Thomas
Ohio pastor’s father was veteran, worked for Coke
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