William (Bill) Eugene Thomas, age 64, died after a lengthy illness on June 24, 2016 at home in Ft. Myers, Florida, where he was cared for by his loving wife of 20 years, Karen Lee Thomas (née Anderson).

Born in Ravenna, the son of the late, Robert and Thelma Thomas,
he is survived by his by wife, Karen; sister, Deborah Rosenlieb of Streetsboro, 5 nieces, 1 nephew, and many great nieces and great nephews, as well as his two sons.
He will also be remembered by brother-in-laws, Lindsey Anderson (Michelle), of Parma and Kenneth Anderson (Sohui) of Colorado; nieces, Stephanie and Emily; granddaughter, Summer Bazargan, of Boston, Mass.

On January 23, 1999 Bill and Karen were joined in marriage and the two became one in a Christ-centered marriage after a long and decisive courtship.  Bill survived vocal cord cancer in 2005, which left him speech impaired. In 2014 he was diagnosed with End Stage Pulmonary Disease and Respiratory Failure.  Throughout their marriage they often referred to their union as "One Voice, One Body in Christ".

Bill served honorably in the U.S.Navy from 1970-74. His early years of employment were as Deputy Sheriff in Millersburg, Ohio.  Later, he was employed as Plant Manager, at Medina Supply Co. for many years. During his life long work history, Bill had achieved a perfect work attendance. He resigned in 2009 when he and his wife decided to build their retirement home on the Florida Gulf overlooking the water. Their philosophy was "To live life on vacation."
He is a long standing member of the Community of Christ Church, Pastor and Founder, Pat Barrett.
Bill earned his wings as a Private Pilot and enjoyed flying his Cessna.  He can still be heard in the skies, using his call sign, "Foxtrot niner-2-7-niner."  He also loved boating, fishing, and had many other hobbies including Ham Radio Operator, hunting and gunnery. He was a skilled wood worker which can be seen in his many projects around the house.

Bill lived his life with courage and positive affirmation.  Even during his years of suffering he never complained. He was a kind hearted man with a gentle nature. Bill has never spoke an unkind word.  He was admired most for his unwavering patience. (He was the force that grounded Karen.) Bill was a man of Faith.  During his final days he was given a prophecy,  "Do not be afraid.  Heaven is Real.  You will be young and you will not have this sick body."  Bill turned to his loving wife, Karen, and said, "Save the next dance for me." 

Calling hours will be on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home (811 Grant St.) and on Friday from 10 to 10:45 at the Community of Christ Church (834 Grant St.) where funeral services will take place at 11:00, followed by reception and fellowship from Noon to 2:00 p.m. Interment with military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

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