Herbert Calvin Thomas

Herbert Calvin Thomas, Sr., 97, of Urbana, Ohio, passed away at his home on April 11, 2023, in Urbana. Born on August 25, 1925, to parents Calvin Henry Thomas and Louise Bronson Thomas, he was a beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather. Herbert was a life-long resident of Urbana and graduated from Urbana High School in 1944. He is survived by his children, Maria (Dan) Thomas-Jones and Homer Byron Thomas; granddaughters Jessica (Matt) Thomas-Raska and Julia Thomas, Monica Jones, and grandson Matthew Jones, great-granddaughter Callie Raska, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his brothers, Paul, Bob and John, Herbert was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Mercedes Castaneda Thomas, and his son, Herbert Thomas, Jr. He was a life-long member of Jerusalem Second Baptist Church in Urbana, where he was a church trustee and church treasurer.  He also was a faithful member of the Elizabeth Cleveland Missionary Society. Along with his brother, John, he was instrumental in planning the construction of the new church building following the collapse of the original church building. He was a member of the Masons, Golden Square Lodge #23. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country on active duty from 1949-1950 and on reserve until honorably discharged in 1955. He retired as a department head from Midland-Ross Grimes in 1990 after more than 25 years with the company. Herbert’s 97 years were filled with faith, family, and friends. He was a friend to all who knew him. He enjoyed fishing with his friends, sports, and dancing. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America as an assistant troop leader.  He volunteered at the McAuley Center and Mercy Hospital in Urbana and visited the elderly and disabled individuals in the community. His children fondly remember the adventurous road trips that he took the whole family on, especially to Guadalajara, Mexico to visit their mother’s and his wife’s side of the family. Herbert’s family will celebrate his life with a viewing on Monday, April 17, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Walter and Lewis Funeral Home, Urbana Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Jerusalem 2nd Baptist Church, Urbana, Ohio. Interment will immediately follow at Oak Dale Cemetery, Urbana, Ohio, followed by a lunch at Jerusalem 2nd Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Herbert C. Thomas can be made to Jerusalem 2nd Baptist Church, 1036 S. High Street, Urbana, Ohio 43078. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com