David C. Thomas / March 1925-October 2008

Published 10:02 pm Monday, October 20, 2008

By Staff
David C. Thomas, 84, of Hickory Street in Niles, died at 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Ind. following a brief illness.
He was born March 7, 1924 in Rochester, Ind. to Harold Thomas and Eva Lucile Johnson.
He lived in Niles since 1942, coming from Eau Claire. He was a 1941 graduate of Eau Claire High School.
Thomas retired in 1988 after 47 yards from Simplicity Pattern in Niles.
He attended the former Westminster Presbyterian Church, Niles. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose No. 978, Niles. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and making items with his brother for the children at Christmas time.
He was an excellent wine maker. He loved and was loved by everyone.
On May 7, 1979 he married Betty (Lane) Thomas in Niles. She preceded him in death on March 22, 2002.
Also preceding him in death were grandson Shannon Thomas, brothers Major Dean, Frederick A. and brother Clarence E. Thomas.
He is survived by son DeWayne David Thomas of Niles, daughters Diana Louise Hart of Atlanta Ga.; Marcia A. (Juan) Gongora, of Buchanan; Valerie (Bobby) Jackson, of Buchanan; and Kimra L. Thomas of Edwardsburg.
Also surviving are brother Gerald L. (Bev) Thomas and sisters Bessie Barrett, Mary Welch, Margaret Hoese and Eva (George) Hunt, all of Niles; Dorothy Kiggins, of Dowagiac; Scharlotte Beacher, of Florida; and sister-in-law Gladys Thomas, of Arkansas; as well as 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with The Rev. Janet Van Lear of First Presbyterian Church officiating.
Burial will take place at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles.
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Moose Heart or Moose Haven.