Paul Carl Thomas

Paul Carl Thomas, age 87, entered into eternal rest peacefully on January 19, 2026, at Alexian Village in Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

Paul was born on May 15, 1938, in the Bronx, New York, to the late Carl Linwood and Mary Vernetta (Eckenrode) Thomas. While attending Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx, he met the love of his life, Leona (Steinmetz). The two were married on September 9, 1961, and shared 44 devoted years together until her passing.

Paul was a longtime resident of Somers, New York, where he lived for 48 years. There, he and Leona raised their family and created a life grounded in hard work, structure, and steadfast commitment. He worked as a senior computer systems engineer, a career that reflected his sharp mind and lifelong fascination with how things worked.

A natural problem-solver, Paul loved tinkering with mechanics and engines and was always ready to help a neighbor or friend. Generous with both his time and advice, he willingly shared his knowledge and expertise. When he wasn't working on projects, Paul enjoyed playing his banjo, a passion he shared with his father and cherished throughout his life.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 16 years, Ellen (Fisher); three children: Lauren (Michael) Durfee, Wayne (Robin) Thomas, and Carolyn Thomas; seven grandchildren: Tara (Jayson) Foster (Job), Craig Job, Elle Svoboda, Ava Svoboda, Elizabeth Svoboda, Erin Svoboda, and Thomas Svoboda; and two great-grandchildren, Dean Foster and Leona Foster. He is also survived by eleven siblings: Louise Brennan, Gail Yorkowitz, Marian Doria, Linda Galgano, James (Teresa) Thomas, Eddie (Vannessa) Thomas, George (Joyce Keating) Thomas, Barbara (Ed) Bauer, Billy (Linda) Thomas, John Thomas, and Elizabeth (Ed) Duffy.

Paul will be spiritually reunited with his late wife, Leona, at the Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.

A private celebration of Paul's life will be held at a later date with immediate family.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415, (423) 877-3524, lanefh.com