Patrick J. Thomas, 62, of Huntington, West Virginia moved forward in eternal life on Saturday, October 2, 2010. He was born May 14, 1948 in Huntington, West Virginia, the son of the late Dr. Joseph D. and Mary Burkhart Thomas. He was preceded in death by his brother Michael D. Thomas and his uncle King G. Thomas. He attended Huntington High School, graduating in 1966. He attended Marshall University, was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Teachers College with a major in Social Studies. Patricks early working career, however, was in banking, first, with the Guaranty National Bank in Huntington, where he met his wife, and last with Bank One in Huntington. After many years in banking, Patrick changed careers, getting back to his earlier love of teaching and was employed with the Cabell County Board of Education, first as a substitute teacher, while completing his Masters degree in Secondary Education, then as a full-time history teacher at Cabell Midland High School.
Patrick was very involved with Rotary International, as was his own father. He is a Past President of the Barboursville Rotary Club, a Past District Governor of Rotary International District 7550 and was the sponsor of the Interact Club at Cabell Midland High School. His most recent focus in Rotary was to build a better bridge between the Interact Clubs at the local high schools and Marshall Universitys Rotaract Club.
Service Above Self is the motto of Rotary International and Patrick exemplified this in his everyday life, in mentoring his students, in serving his church, his community and in being a good friend and neighbor.
Patrick is gone from the flesh, but alive in the Spirit and will always be a part of those he knew and loved.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Sandra Maynard Thomas; two loving children, Rebecca Thomas and Joseph Thomas; one aunt, Betty Holbrook Thomas; three cousins, Barbara Ihne, Mary Ann Silvetti, Mario Silvetti; two nieces, Mary-Kathryn Thomas, Natasha Terran Thomas; father-in-law, Arvie Maynard and mother-in-law, Dorothy Maynard.
Visitation: Thursday 4-7 at Reger Funeral Home
Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday October 8, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic church by Monsignor Lawrence Luciana. Rite of Committal will follow at Ridgelawn Memorial Park.
Pall Bearers; Jimmy Cava, Terry Bostic, Don Haddox, Jon Garton, Ken Jaskot, Rick Keaton, Dick Sarvas, Joseph Thomas
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nazareth House, a food and clothing pantry sponsored by St. Joseph Catholic Church and the local Catholic community at large, 1304 Sixth Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701 or to the Barboursville Rotary Club, PO Box 395, Barboursville, WV 25504.
