Daniel P. Thomas

WILKES-BARRE — Daniel P. Thomas, 92, formerly of Abbott Street, Miners Mills section, Wilkes-Barre, died Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Golden Living Center, Wilkes-Barre, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Thomas was born in Plains Township, a son of the late Daniel R. and Mary Pierce Thomas and was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, class of 1939. He continued his education, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in history and English at Mansfield State Teachers College and a Master of Science degree at Peabody College, Nashville. He had also done additional graduate work at Vanderbilt University, Duke University and at Penn State University. While at Mansfield, he lettered in wrestling.

During World War II, Dan served with the U.S. Army as a Tech 5 in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, earning the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with one bronze star and the World War II Victory Medal.

He began his teaching career at Towanda High School, where he taught for 14 years, was a junior high school football coach, was an advisor to the student council and president of the teacher's association. He then accepted a position at Morristown, New Jersey, high school and was there for six years, serving as faculty advisor to the student council.

In 1966, he came to James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, as a history teacher and was also a class advisor, prior to his retirement in 1982. Following his retirement, he devoted himself to caring for his mother, Mary Pierce Thomas, until her death in 1993.

Dan was a faithful member of the Miner Congregational United Church of Christ and served on the board of trustees for many years. He also held memberships in Wilkes-Barre Area Education Association, the Pennsylvania Education Association, the St. David's Society of Wyoming Valley, and was a former member of the Lions Clubs of Towanda and Plains. He was a charter member of the Old Round Top Hunting Lodge while at Towanda and was an avid New York Yankees fan.

Surviving are several cousins including Lee and Kenneth Matchett, Jane Matchett Hanson, Ruth Pierce Brain, Jack Mainwaring and Mary Lou Pierce McLain; and his faithful friend, Olin Evans, who rendered invaluable service during his illness.

Funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday from the H. Merritt Hughes Funeral Home Inc., a Golden Rule Funeral Home, 451 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, with the Rev. Joan Mitchell, pastor Miner Congregational U.C.C. Church, officiating. Interment will be in Mount Greenwood Cemetery, Trucksville. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday.

The family requests that flowers be omitted and that memorial donations in Dan's name be made to The Miner Congregational UCC Church, 137 Abbott St,, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705.