Asil Ray Thomas

Asil Ray Thomas was a much loved father and grandfather. He passed away August 10, 2004 at his home. He was born in Midland on May 25, 1912. He retired as a mechanic and spent the years he had left caring lovingly for his wife, working outdoors in the garden and playing with any and all of the kids who happened to be around. He was a member of the Churchill Methodist Church. Ray entertained his family and friends with his vast repertoire of poetry and music. He played for Saturday night dances at many of the town halls in the area, just as his father and grandfather did before him. He will be sadly missed by friends and family. Ray is survived by his children--Ruth Ferguson, Bess Engel, Sharon (Bruce) Jameson, Linda (Robert) Hilts and John Thomas all of West Branch, Estella (James) Hastie of Latrobe PA, Claudia (William) Thomas of Engadine, Beverly (Marvin) Bales and Debra (Johnny) Brookshire both of Maryville TN, Gale (Michael) Race of Manchester NH, Robert Thomas of Rose City, and Michael (Norma) Thomas of Sand Lake, 33 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren and his sister Inez (Elmer) Carrigan of Estey. He was preceded in death by his wife Myrtle Ruth Friend Thomas, his children, Richard Thomas, William Thomas and Carol Denstedt, his parents Alba Thomas and Estella (Braley) Thomas and his brothers and sisters, Howard Thomas, Pearl Thomas, Loren Thomas, Ruth Thomas, William Thomas, Estella Thomas, Birdie Thomas, Bessie Thomas and Marion (Loren) Randall. Friends may call at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Thursday August 12, 2004 from 3-9 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday at the Funeral Home. Rev. Dan Stoneback will officate with burial following at Ogemaw Springs Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Helping Hands, West Branch.