Maynard W. Thomas

Maynard W. Thomas, 93, passed away on June 13, 2008 to that better place. Maynard was born September 28, 1914 in Vinton County. After graduating from Zaleski High School in 1932, he spent most of his life in eastern Vinton County and Western Athens County. He retired to Chillicothe after 36 years as a fireman/engineer for the B&O/C&O railroad. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in New Marshfield.

He eloped with Virgene Saylor in 1936 and they were together for 69 years until her death in 2005. To this union were born three children; M. Gene Joy Thomas of New Hampshire, Jim Robbie Thomas of Colorado and Anita Craig Sulzer of Chillicothe.

In addition to Virgene, he was preceded in death by his parents, John and Chloe Thomas; his brothers Floyd Martha, Robert Dorothy and Arthur; sisters Elizabeth Alfred Allman and Florence Chauncey Staneart, sister-in-law Joan Thomas, daughter in law, Rita Carsey Thomas; brothers-in-law Clifton Swaim and Dent Saylor; sister-in law, Clarys Blaine Hunter; brother-in law Norman Violet Saylor Jr., sister-in-law Emmajean Saylor and in-laws Norman and Rose Saylor.

Surviving are his children, brother Max Thomas of McArthur, sister-in-law, Agnes ""Kitty"" Thomas of Lancaster, grandchildren Vicki Ridlon of Maine, Eric Marcia Thomas of New Hampshire, Doug Shannon Thomas of New Hampshire, Brian Thomas, Clint Taryn Thomas, Kent Liberator, Michelle Liberator all of Colorado, Rex Jane Thomas of Nebraska, Drew Sulzer and Zachary Sulzer of Chillicothe. Also surviving are 14 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Special Athens County in-laws Helen Swaim, Duane Saylor, Dale and Bula Saylor, Lee and Betty Enlow, Coe and Donna Dearth, many nieces and nephews and his very good friend, Clyde Warth.

Maynard loved the outdoors and a walk through the woods of Vinton and Athens County made a perfect day for him. He especially loved Robinette Ridge and his ""Cabin"" where he and many of his friends enjoyed hunting and shooting and many family reunions.

He also loved steam engines and railroading and had many interesting stories to tell his friends and family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren will remember fondly their many tractor rides with grandpa.

The family would like to thank everyone who visited Maynard in recent years. These visits brightened his days.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00PM Wednesday in New Marshfield Cemetery with John Swaim officiating. Friends may call at the Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home 201 W. High St. McArthur on Tuesday from 6-8PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, Ross County Chapter, 150 W. Main St. Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 or the Ross County Humane Society, 2308A Lick Run Rd. Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com