Lionel Glen Thomas

Another World War II veteran has departed the journey of life on earth. Lionel Glen Thomas, 94, of Sandyville passed away March 1, 2017 at his residence. He was born April 17, 1922 in Jackson County, West Virginia, son of the late Yancy Glen and Grace (McPherson) Thomas. During World War II, he served as a surgical and medical technician in the 105th Station Hospital Unit in Northern Africa and Italy from 1942-1945. His only other brother Lester “Dale” Thomas was killed in action at Anzio Beach, Italy during World War II. After the war was over, Lionel worked a few years at the Viscose plant in Parkersburg. He spent many years a farmer raising beef cattle and also maintained a small dairy for several years. He retired as a school buss driver in 1987 after 24 years of service driving bus #17 in the Sandyville area. Lionel was a member of the Beech Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as superintendent, trustee, and Sunday school teacher. In later years, he attended the Drift Run United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife of 68 years and 11 months, Garnet (Boyce) Thomas; daughter Carolyn (Rex) Miihlbach of Ravenswood and son, Neil (Susan) Thomas, of Sandyvillle; six grandchildren Alex (Michala) Miihlbach of Taylor, Nebraska; Kevin (Alisha) Miihlbach of Ravenswood; Malinda (Stephen) Cooper of Ravenswood; Mitch (Tomeka) Thomas of Sandyville; Steve (Amanda) Thomas of Sandyville and Anita (Derrick) Cooper of Sandyville. Also surviving are 16 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and brother, Lionel was preceded in death by granddaughter Angela Dawn Thomas and great-granddaughter, Kaylee Garnet Miihlbach. A special thank you to the care givers and members of the Kanawha Hospice team for their assistance and support. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 6, 2017 at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Rev. Casey Steinspring officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday evening from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial with Military Rites by the Jackson County Honor Guard will be at Independence Cemetery. Online memories and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com