William E. Thomas

William E. "Bill" Thomas, 83, of Milesburg, passed peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Born December 5, 1942, in Roaring Spring, he was raised by his mother, Melva (McFadden) Clapper, and his stepfather, Ralph Clapper.

Bill was a 1961 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School. Shortly after graduation, he began what would become a lifelong career in the grocery industry. He started at A&P and later worked at Riverside as a produce specialist before opening his own store, Bellefonte BiLo. Bill proudly owned and operated the store for 22 years before retiring. Over the years, he also owned the Bellefonte Bakery on the Diamond.

On life's journey, Bill shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Carol L. (Grace) Thomas, who survives at home. Together they built a strong and loving family. He is survived by his sons: Blaine Thomas and his wife, Ami, of Bellefonte; Blake Thomas and his wife, Deanna, of Milesburg; John McMaster and his wife, Lisa, of Snow Shoe; and Tracy "Chip" McMaster and his wife, Suzanna, of Pleasant Gap.

He was a proud and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather. Surviving are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Caleb (Alana) and their daughter, Clara; Morgan (Dion) and their children, Lennon, Daxton, and Lucy; Isaac (Renae) and their daughter, Murphy, and one on the way; Tyson (Amber) and their children, Walker and Laylin; Hannah (Tiler); James; and Zach (Natalie) and their daughters, Scarlett and Adelyn.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, sisters, and a grandson.

Bill was deeply rooted in his community throughout his life. He was an active member of the Milesburg Presbyterian Church and generously gave his time to many organizations, including Kiwanis, the Elks, Tall Cedars, the Masonic Lodge, Liars and Loafers, the Howard Area Lions Club, and Wildlife for Everyone.

A natural salesman, Bill enjoyed raising funds for the organizations he supported and even sold Red Neck Blinds as a side venture. He was well known throughout the area and rarely went anywhere without running into someone he knew. Bill truly never met a stranger.

Outside of work and service, Bill's heart belonged to the outdoors. For more than 60 years, he treasured time spent at his cabin, "The Ponderosa," in Black Moshannon, and he was a member of Rockspar Camp for nearly 20 years. He loved sharing camp life with his family, offering hunting tips to his children and grandchildren, teaching them how to shoot and hunt, and even searching for rattlesnakes with his close friend, Larry Taylor. Some of his greatest joys came from passing those traditions on to the next generation.

Above all, Bill was immensely proud of his family and the life he built. His legacy of hard work, faith, generosity, and love of the outdoors will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

A private celebration of Bill's life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wildlife for Everyone, 341 Science Park Road, State College, PA 16803, or to the Milesburg Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 837, Milesburg, PA 16853.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc., Milesburg, PA. An online guest book may be signed and condolences shared with the family at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com