Joseph Henry Thomas

Joseph Henry Thomas
Joseph Henry Thomas, age 68, passed away on September 20, 2012. He resided in Orefield with his wife, Jan Jacobson Thomas. They celebrated 43 years of marriage this month. Joe was born in Allentown, PA on July 28, 1944, son of the late Charlotte Kratzer Thomas and Byron Henry Thomas. A graduate of William Allen High School, he attended Penn State before serving in the US Army from 1965 to 1967, when he was stationed in Germany as a Chaplains Assistant, attaining the rank of SP5. Joe worked for Sears Roebuck for 25 years, his last position was as an assistant store manager. After leaving Sears to spend more time with his family, Joe worked as a professional photographer for four years, during which time he especially enjoyed taking photos of sporting events for the East Penn and Parkland Press. Later, Joe served as a customer service representative for 15 years at The Downs in Allentown, PA. Joes best friend was his wife and they enjoyed traveling, taking day trips and going out to lunch together. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Joe was also a talented cook, gardener and storyteller and a very cool person to just sit and chat with on the front porch, his favorite place to be. Survivors: Joe is survived by his wife; son, Ryan S. Thomas and daughter-in-law, Donna Begley Thomas of Wildwood, MO; daughter, Carla Thomas Lindenmuth of Allentown; and four grandchildren, Coby, Jana, Henry and Mia. Services: Private. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. www.stephensfuneral.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Salvation Army, 144 N. 8th St., Allentown, 18102, in memory of Joseph H. Thomas.