William Henry Thomas

William Henry Thomas, 90, of Findlay, passed away at 12:33 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022 at the Bridge Hospice Care Center. He was born in Evanston, Illinois near Chicago on June 8, 1931 to the late Henrick and Astrid (Karlson) Thomas. On February 25, 1956, he married the love of his life, Alice Leah Charpiot in Findlay; she preceded him in death on December 9, 2015.Surviving Bill are his children, Milinda (Scott) Griggs of Flowery Branch, Georgia; Melanie (Lynn) Radabaugh, W. Scott (Michelle) Thomas and Michael (Tanya) Thomas, all of Findlay; grandchildren, Mitch Griggs, Zach (fiancée Rebecca) and Hannah Radabaugh; Sarah, Abbey and Katie Thomas; and Matthew and Andy Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews. His sister, Nancy Lather of Tampa Florida and sister- in- law, Renee Schuck of Lake Orion, Michigan also survive. Bill was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Dean Lather; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Amanda Schumacher and brother-in-law, Randal Schuck.Bill attended public schools in Evanston, Illinois, graduating in 1949 from Evanston High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Force in 1951 as an aviation metalsmith. In 1953 he was promoted to petty officer second class and served in this capacity until his honorable discharge in 1955. He served as a plane captain and squadron line chief during the Korean Conflict operations.Upon discharge from the Navy, he began employment with Marathon Oil Company as an aircraft mechanic apprentice. In 1957 he was promoted to copilot-mechanic; in 1968 to pilot; in 1974 to jet maintenance foreman; in 1975 to general foreman; in 1976 to supervisor of aircraft maintenance; and 1980 to manager of aircraft maintenance and chief inspector. After serving 38 years with Marathon, he retired as the manager of aircraft maintenance.He was awarded a 30-year Diamond Award for Safety by the National Business Aircraft Association, of which he was very proud.Bill enjoyed spending summers at Devil's Lake Michigan with family and friends. He also enjoyed his time at Sanibel Island, Florida He was a member of a dinner club for over 50 years where he made life-long friends. Most of all, Bill enjoyed spending time with his wife of almost 60 years, his children, and grandchildren. Memorials may be made in Bill's name to Bridge Home Health & Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio 45840.A private graveside service is planned at Maple Grove Cemetery. Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

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