Gerald Thomas

Gerald William Thomas, 82, of Boonsboro, Maryland, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, July 1, 2011 at his home.

Born on August 2, 1928, in Keedysville, Maryland, he was the son of the late Harry S. and Margaret Anna (Shifler) Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was a veteran having served in the United States AirForce from 1947 until 1950.

In his early years, Gerald was an employee at Fairchild Industries and worked in construction.  He retired in 1990 from Pangborn Corporation after 28 years of service.

He was formerly a member at Salem United Methodist Church in Keedysville.

Mr. Thomas was also a member of the Amvets Post #10 in Hagerstown, and the Dixon-Troxell American Legion Post #211 in Funkstown, Maryland.

He is survived by his wife,  Hilda A. (Smith) Thomas; his daughter, Barbara S. and her husband David Baker of Boonsboro; his son, Michael L. Thomas, Sr. of Boonsboro; and seven grandchildren, David Baker and his wife Etta, Cheryl Spielman and her husband Brian, Lori Dodson and her husband David, Mark Baker, Michael L. Thomas, Jr. and his wife Jess, Matthew Thomas and Alicia Thomas.  He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Bobby, Zachary and Lane Baker; Abby and Gavin Spielman; and Colin Thomas.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his brother, James E. Thomas.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro.  Rev. Kenneth J. Fizer, Jr. will officiate.  Final resting place ceremonies will follow at the Boonsboro Cemetery.  Military honors will be rendered by the Amvets Post #10 and the Marine Corps League of Hagerstown.

Friends are invited to visit beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at the funeral home, where the family will be present to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.