Bernie Mason Thomas

1926 - 2021

Bernie Mason Thomas

Bernie Mason Thomas, 95, of Rochelle, Va., died on Monday, November 15, 2021, at The Harbor at Renaissance of Greene County in Stanardsville, Va. Bernie was born on February 26, 1926, in Hot Springs, Va., the son of the late Walter Lee Thomas and Mary Jane Kincaid Thomas. Bernie served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He can be remembered for working hard to get ahead by any means from raising livestock, hauling wood, to building houses. He married the love of his life, Jane B. Thomas, in February, 1979. Bernie and Jane retired in 1989 and moved from Falls Church to Rochelle, Va. in Madison County. Bernie loved gardening, hunting, and working around the house which he built himself. Bernie was an active member of the Madison County Presbyterian Church.

Bernie was preceded in death by one brother, Albert Lee Thomas, as well as his five sisters, Mary Naomi Harris, Bessie Varinski, Virginia Hajewski, Lillie McElwee, and Betty Jane Mines.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Jane B. Thomas of Rochelle, Va., and three stepchildren, Patricia Ann Walden of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Michael David Walden and wife, Theresa Walden, of Queenstown, Maryland, and Richard Harold Walden and wife, Sylvia Walden, of Grasonville, Maryland. Bernie is also survived by a brother, Thomas Julian Thomas; two grandchildren, Michael Joseph Walden and David Wilson Walden; two great-grandchildren, Baily Margaret Mary Walden and Addison Jane Walden; and numerous nieces and nephews with a special niece, Linda Harris Bopp.

A memorial service will be conducted on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 12 noon at the Madison Presbyterian Church in Madison, Va., with Pastor Gay Einstein officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary. A reception will follow immediately after the service at the church. All Covid-19 safety precautions will be taken. Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 868, Madison, VA 22727.