Earle A. Thomas, Jr.

Earle A. Thomas, Jr., 89, of Goshen, died early Sunday morning, November 11, 2007, at Greencroft Healthcare. He was born September 4, 1918 in Melrose, Massachusetts, to Earle A. and Amy H. (Henderson) Thomas.  He married Jane M. Mottern on December 2, 1945 in Indianapolis.  She preceded him in death on June 23, 1993. A Goshen resident since 1946, Mr. Thomas worked for Richmond Wholesale until 1965 at which time he went to work for Goshen Iron and Metal.  He retired as co-owner and president of Goshen Iron and Metal. A 1936 graduate of Deering High School in Portland, Maine and Northeastern College in Boston, Mr. Thomas served with the US Army.  He trained and then taught officer training at Fort Benning.  After Pearl Harbor was attacked he was sent there for seven months.  From Pearl Harbor he went to the Philippines.  While stationed in the Philippines he had the privilege of escorting General McArthur around the various islands. Mr. Thomas was a proud member and past president of the Goshen Rotary Club. He is survived by a daughter, Jan H. Thomas of Indianapolis; a grandson, Matthew Thomas; and three great-grandchildren, Austin, Isaac and Grace Thomas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane; a son, Earle J. Thomas in 2006 and a brother, Robert Thomas. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at the funeral home. An 8:30 a.m., prayer service will be held at the funeral home followed by a procession to Violett Cemetery for graveside services and military honors.  A 10:00 a.m. memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Goshen, on Wednesday, November 14, 2007. Memorial contributions may be made to Greencroft Employee Benevolence Fund or Greencroft Good Samaritan Fund.