Wendell J. Thomas,78, of Greenville, passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2014 at Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville. Wendell was born on July 19, 1935 in New Madison, Ohio to the late Forrest and Orpha (Hill) Thomas. Wendell was a graduate of New Madison Schools and was self employed in construction as a contractor his whole life. He was a member of the New Madison United Methodist Church where he served on several committees. Wendell served his country honorably in the United States Army, serving in Korea and also as a member of the New Madison Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the New Madison Kiwanis for over 48 years. Wendell enjoyed woodworking, fishing, family vacations and spending time with his family. Wendell was a big fan of Tri Village sports and The Ohio State football team. In addition to his parents, Wendell is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Thomas who passed away in January, 2007; a sister, Phyllis Thomas; a brother, Lowell Thomas; an infant sister, Eileen Thomas, a step mother, Mae Thomas. Wendell is survived by a son, Tony and Shawn Thomas of New Paris; a daughter, Terri Thomas of Chino Hills, California;three grandchildren, Seth, Shaye and Justice Thomas of New Paris; nieces and nephews, Totty Davis, Mike Thomas and Alysa Comfort of Florida and Pat Thomas and Kelly Thomas of New Madison.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 12:00 PM at New Madison United Methodist Church in New Madison with Rev. Carol Duffield officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Miller Homestead Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Tri Village Education Foundation, New Madison Kiwanis or New Madison United Methodist Church. Services entrusted to Braund Pope Funeral Home in New Madison. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.braundpope.com.
