Loyd Earnest Thomas
Loyd Earnest Thomas, 88, Lake Mary, Fla., formerly of Goodlettsville, Tenn. and Warsaw, passed away Aug. 29, 2020. At 88 years of age, he experienced a fall and developed sepsis with no correlation to Covid-19.
Loyd was born May 31, 1932, to Ralph and Fladia (Eaton) Thomas in Billings, Mont. along with his younger twin brother, Floyd (younger by 15 minutes). He graduated from Mentone High School in 1950, then attended Indiana University and Indiana State University for Engineering and Business. His education led him to a career at Bayer; retiring in 1979 and Depuy; retiring in 1995. Before a family move to Tennessee, Loyd spent a good deal of time working for International Harvester while living in Fort Wayne.
He proudly served in the US Air Force from 1951-1955 and spent two and a half years in Japan during the Korean War. While in Japan, during his free time, Loyd helped build a community church and worked closely with an orphanage. He enjoyed many years as a Shriner and supported the Shriners Hospital. He was also a respected member of the Coca-Cola community, collecting for over 52 years.
Loyd is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carol Lee (Wildman) Thomas, of Lake Mary, Fla. They were married June 12, 1955. He is further survived by his daughter, Rhonda Hawkins of Lake Mary, Fla.; son, Stephen (Sonia) Thomas of St. Augustine, Fla.; Granddaughters: Katherine (Eamon) Curan of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Anne Hawkins of Lake Mary, Fla.; Kristina Whalen Thomas of Orlando, Fla.; and Grandson, Jacob Hawkins of Gainesville, Ga.; Great Grandson, Declan Curran of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; along with numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Loyd was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Fladia Thomas; brothers, Everett Thomas, Floyd Thomas and sister, Helen Holderman.
A Life Celebration® is planned with Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw where friends and family may gather from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 12, his and and Carol’s wedding anniversary, in the Titus Community Room for a time of visiting, remembering and refreshments. A memorial service will then follow at 3 pm. in the funeral home with Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus officiating.