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BRUCE L. THOMAS
PORTSMOUTH – Bruce Lanell Thomas, 67, of Portsmouth, passed away Monday, February 24, 2014, at Southern Ohio Medical Center. He was born May 22, 1946, a son of the late Bruce and Helen Thomas.
Bruce was a retired corrections officer from Southern Ohio Correctional Facility and a 1964 Portsmouth High School graduate. He was also a Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran, having achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. He earned the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Emily Jo Horn Cobb-Thomas, whom he married April 16, 1995, in Las Vegas, NV; three sons, Leslie Wood of Ashland, KY, Irwan Martin of Portsmouth, and Kevin (Lisa) Cobb of Aurora, IN; two daughters, Tara (Lindsey Ellis) Thomas of Portsmouth, and Kimberly (Kyle) Taylor of Alexandria, VA; a brother, Michael Thomas of Cleveland; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two special dogs, Rosie and Boston.
He was also preceded in death by a son, LeVaughn Cobb Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the RALPH F. SCOTT FUNERAL HOME in Portsmouth with Rev. Clarence Parker officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion Honor Detail.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to services Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sierra's Haven for New and Used Pets, 80 Easter Dr., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
Online condolences may be shared at www.RalphFScott.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My 1st cousin Lenell. Our mother's are sisters and even though I didn't know you personally , I loved you just the same. My mother (Aunt Catherine) loved you. Rest in Paridise my cousin . Aunt Catherine Peters Burton and Cathy Lynne Davis.
cathy davis
March 3, 2014
Emily and family I am so sorry to hear about Bruce. He was a wonderfully funny man and I think of him very fondly. I will miss seeing him with you at Walmart. I loved to laugh and joke with both of you. Keep your head up, Emily. He will be watching over you!
Nita Hodge
March 1, 2014
Emily, I always enjoyed talking with Bruce,especially the great stories about Larry Hisle. Bruce was a great patient , always kind and appreciative. God loves Bruce and so do his friends!
Jerry Burleson
March 1, 2014
I grew up with Bruce and he was always great to be around. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Ron Melvin
February 28, 2014
Emily and Family,
So sorry I am unable to personally express my well wishes. As a younger guy I along with many in the North End remember proudly how both Lee Bass and Bruce Thomas looked in their official military uniforms. They were guys we looked up to. They taught us how to "fish in life"....which will always be with us. Bruce nurtured many youth and those that needed an encouraging word....he will be thought of often and missed. May God give you strength to smile and see Bruce smiling down at you!
Rusty & Family Cincinnati, Ohio.
February 27, 2014
Emily so sorry to hear about Bruce.I remember trying to play softball and him coaching. May God's PEACE be with u and family
Etta McCray
February 27, 2014
Emily so sorry to hear about Bruce.I remember trying to play softball and him coaching. May God's PEACE be with u and family
Etta McCray
February 27, 2014
I'm sorry to hear of your loss and know that our prayers are with you and the family. Bruce was a good man and friend. He will be truly missed! Blessings Always
Larry Moore
February 27, 2014
My condolences to your family and my prayers are with you all. I pray that God gives you that speical peace that can come from no one or nothing else at this time. Just remember to focus on God right now and that He is in full control. Love you all Melissa
Melissa Wallace-Taylor
February 27, 2014
Emily, Bruce was one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever known. I am one of your bingo players and my prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult of times. We all loved him and he will be greatly missed.
Sheila Lawson
February 27, 2014
Emily,my heart is heavy for your loss.Every time I ran into BLT he made me laugh.May he rest in peace.
Robert Dickey
February 26, 2014
The world has lost a wonderful man, such a lovable and warm soul. You will be greatly missed Bruce, but now you are telling those great stories at your new bingo hall in heaven!May you find comfort in the coming days ahead Emily in all the memories of your life together. Til we meet again,one of your bingo buddies, Pam
pam leslie
February 26, 2014
Tara and Lindsey, my heart is broken for you. I will be praying for the peace that only our Lord and Savior can give to help you through this difficult time. I send you hugs and know that I love you both!
Stephanie Wright
February 26, 2014
So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Bruce at Eastern Ambulance in the late 70's. He was a joy to be around. Rest in peace.
Jeff Miller
February 26, 2014
The thing I remember about Bruce was his ability to make things seem better when things were not going good at S.O.C.F. His personality shined every day and his story telling was unmatched by anyone I ever knew.I am deeply saddened at his passing. He left me with some great memories that I cherish. I pray for the family and hope they find some relief from their grief.
Joe Scurlock
February 26, 2014
he will be missed ,BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
shirley joyce
February 26, 2014
My condolences to the family. Bruce was my partner at American Ambulance for several years. A good man and a great friend.
Mike Day
February 26, 2014
ALICE HRONEK AND CONNIE FANNIN ( KENTUCKIANS )
ALICE HRONEK
February 25, 2014
Sorry to hear this Emily,bingo won't be the same without Bruce stories. He will be missed by all. So sorry for your loss
Alice & Connie
February 25, 2014
Emily, it was a shock to hear about Bruce. When I was talking with you at the Chinese Restaurant, you said he was doing good. I have know you way longer than I have known Bruce, but really liked him. He worked with my husband at SOCF and he is really upset about Bruce. Will try to see you Thursday at the services.
DIANA MAYNARD-HUBBARD
February 25, 2014
I worked with Bruce, Mike, and Tara at SOCF... Good people and never a dull moment around Bruce... Always had a story..... RIP Bruce................
Ronnie Sims
February 25, 2014
I want to say to Bruce's family that he was one of my closest friends at SOCF and a very good person to know. I'll miss him very much. He was the one who nicknamed me Johnboy.
John Neff
February 25, 2014
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