Paul Edward Thomas

Paul Edward Thomas, 54, of Battle Creek, died Thursday, March 5, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 15, 1954, in Frankfort, Germany, the son of Lowell E. and Dorotha M. (Fulton) Thomas and had been a resident of Battle Creek since December of 1954. Paul graduated from Lakeview High School in 1972. He worked for Climax Hardware from 1974 to 1978. In August of 1978, he joined Clarke Maxson in business and Thomas & Maxson, Inc. was formed. Paul and his brother Don have run the company for the last several years. Paul attended St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he held every office in the Dad's Club, was Bingo Chairman, a school bus driver, and a past President of Superfest. On August 11, 1973, he was married to the love of his life, Barbara D. Ware, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters: Nicole (Robert) Johnson of Battle Creek, Jessica (Larry) Gordon of Coloma and Stacey Thomas (Roy Rolfe) of Wyandotte; two grandchildren: Zachary and Nathan Johnson; brother: Don (Diane) Thomas of Battle Creek; stepfather: Ross Cadwallader of Sebring, FL; stepsister: Melanie Cadwallader of Richland; and two nephews: Eric (Nicole) Thomas of Battle Creek and Mark (Lindsey) Thomas of Denver, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell Thomas and Dorotha Cadwallader, and a stepsister, Allyson Craft. Paul was very passionate about his work and he loved spending time with his family and perfecting his lawn. He thoroughly enjoyed vacationing to Florida. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with the Rev. Father James O'Leary presiding. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be given to the Battle Creek Health Systems Cancer Care Center, Lifespan Hospice and/or Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Foundation.