Dr. Merle Clifford Thomas
MESA, ARIZ. — Dr. Merle Clifford Thomas, 80 years old, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on May 28, in Mesa, Ariz., with his loved ones at his side. Merle was a great man who achieved more in his lifetime than most. He served in the military for 20 years active and 20 years reserve. After the service he went to school, received his doctorate and became an educator. He loved working in the school systems in Montana, Nevada, Alaska and Puerto Rico.
He is preceded in death by his granddaughter Juanita Thomas and his grandson Merle Thomas IV. He is survived by his wife Karen Thomas; his eight children, John Thomas, Christina Tisdale, Mark Thomas, Merle Thomas III, Joel Thomas, Teresa Hickerson, Michele Casey and Monica Rose; his 27 grandchildren; and his 27 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Merle’s name to: KNOM radio station in Nome, Alaska, (www.knom.org).
There will be a military funeral service July 2 in New Castle, Penn.
