William Thomas

Aug. 20, 1933-Jan. 15, 2025

William “Bill” Thomas, age 91, a resident of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. 

Bill was born Aug. 20, 1933, in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of William H. and Goldie (Napper) Thomas. Bill was raised in Surry County, Virginia. Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. Bill was a truck driver and retired from Geneva Plastics. 

Bill married Betty Ann Holt on Dec. 19, 1959, and she passed away on April 7, 2000. He later married Bessie (Ramsey) on April 28, 2012. 

Survivors include:

His wife — Bessie Thomas, Portland, Indiana 

His children — Dale Irvin (wife: Jayne), South Hampton, England, Tony Thomas (wife: Stephanie), Greenville, Ohio, Dan Thomas (wife: Cleo), Portland, Indiana, Randy Thomas (husband: Scott), Phoenix Arizona 

Fifteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Thomas; and two sons, Don and Brian Thomas. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Services to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Green Park Cemetery in Portland. American Legion Post #211 of Portland will conduct military rites at the funeral home. 

Condolences may be expressed at williamsonspencer.com.