H. Daniel Thomas Jr.

H. Daniel Thomas Jr. DDS
Age 72, passed away after a courageous battle with Leukemia.
He was born April 22, 1938, in Massillon, to Henry and Margaret (Spangler) Thomas. He grew up in Dalton, Ohio, and graduated from Dalton High School.
Dr. Thomas graduated from the College of Wooster in 1960, and the School of Dentistry at The Ohio State University in 1964. He was chosen for a dental internship at Youngstown City Hospital and began his practice in Minerva in 1965 where he practiced for 44 years until his retirement in December 2008.
Dr. Thomas was a lifetime member of the Stark County Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.
Dr. Thomas married his wife of 49 years, Carol Whiteleather Thomas, in 1960.
'Doc' was an avid basketball player. He was known for his disciplined foul shooting and accurate shot. 'Doc' was awarded a 4-year basketball scholarship to the College of Wooster. His love of basketball continued throughout his life and earned him many accolades. He was inducted into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame; the Stark County Hall of Fame; The Greater Canton Old Timers Basketball Association Hall of Fame and the College of Wooster Athletic Hall of Fame. He also participated in several 'senior Olympic' basketball events and earned numerous basketball awards and trophies throughout his career. 'Doc' played in several area leagues, including YMCA, CYC, and other church affiliated leagues.
In 2008 Dr. Thomas was recognized as a person of character by Character Counts! in Stark County, for his work with Minerva Local Schools and is a member of the Minerva First Christian Church.
Even though 'Doc' loved playing basketball, the love of his life was his wife, Carol and their family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, often enjoying pancake breakfasts with them.
Dr. Thomas is survived by his wife Carol of Minerva; a son, Pastor Todd (Cathy) Thomas of Vero Beach, Fla.; a daughter, Laura (James) Johnston of North Canton; a brother, Dr. Michael (Dorothy) Thomas of Sarasota Fla.; a sister, Marilou (Dr. Kent) Berg of Carrollton; and three grandchildren, James Johnston (age 11), Kyler Thomas (age 6), and Kyrra Thomas (age 1); plus three nieces and three nephews.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Minerva First Christian Church with Mr. Dale Roberts and Mr. Ralph Norman officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to services.
Donations can be made in his honor to the Minerva First Christian Church, the Aultman Inpatient Oncology Unit, or the Aultman Palliative Care Unit.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Schmotzer, his entire staff, the staff of Aultman 6 South, and the doctors and staff of the Palliative Care Unit for their compassion and excellent care.
Gotschall-Hutchison
330-868-4900