Norman R. Thomas, 87, of rural Elida, passed away peacefully at 6:44 PM Thursday, December 13, 2018 in the Lima Memorial Health System, following an extended illness. He had been a resident of the Vancrest Care Center in Delphos the past 6 months.

He was born in Amanda Twp., Allen County, the son of the late Clyde Gerald and Estella Josephine Strayer Thomas. On September 21, 1957 he married Marleen Sue Foltz, who died February 12, 2000.

Surviving him are his children; Kevin R. Thomas of Lebanon, Ohio and Rochelle (Dave) Benfield of Belle Center, Ohio and his grandchildren; Brooklyn Thomas, Estee' Thomas and Bailey Thomas, all of Lebanon; Summer (Patrick) Kleman of Elida; Cassandra (Ben Pinkard) Benfield and Seth Benfield, both of Columbus; and his great grandchildren; Jocelyn Kleman, Sylvia Kleman and Wyatt Kleman and his sister; Janice Goechel of Fairfax, VA. His brother-in-law Urb Goechel preceded him in death.

Norm was a 1949 graduate of Elida High School and attended a Draftsman College in Chicago. He was in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked as a draftsman several years at the former Clark Equipment Company in Lima and then worked 18 years at the GE Jet Engine Plant in Cincinnati until retirement.

He was a member of the Lima Baptist Temple and its Master Builders Sunday School class. His love of life was his family, golf, gardening and large puzzles.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville with Pastor Gary Hohman officiating. Military rites will be conducted following the services at the funeral home by the Army Honor Guard and the Spencerville Veterans. Burial will follow in the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Delphos.

The family will receive friends from 4 until 8 PM Sunday and after 10 AM Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lima Baptist Temple.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@who.rr.com