Phillip Thomas

Published: Defiance Crescent-News; September 6, 2013 9:05AM

Phillip Robert Thomas, 65, formerly of Ney, Ohio, died of cancer at the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio, on September 4, 2013.

Phil was born on November 9, 1947, in Defiance, Ohio, to Robert and Dorothy Thomas. He was a graduate of Fairview High School and Tri-State University. In 1968, he married Toni Swaninger. Phil worked at General Motors in Defiance as an engineer until retiring in 2009. He served on the board of directors of North Western Electric Co-Op and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He and Toni moved to Delaware, Ohio, in 2010. Phil enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, outdoor activities and woodworking.

Survivors include his wife, Toni; his children, Jennifer (Aaron) Kerestan and Brian (Reena); his grandchildren, Alex, Joel, and Evan; his father, Robert; his sister, Ann (Gary) Heater, and his brother, Larry (Janis). He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy.

Relatives and friends are welcome at a memorial service to be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 509 Center Street, Bryan, Ohio. There will be visitation an hour before the service. A reception will be held at Trinity Lutheran immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome and should be given to the James Cancer Center, Office of Development - Fund #313545, P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218, to support cancer research; the Kobacker House, HomeReach Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43214, to support hospice care; or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Photo Source: Defiance Crescent-News