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R. David "Dave" Thomas

R. Thomas Obituary

Thomas, R. David "Dave", 69, of Columbus and Ft. Lauderdale, died on January 8, 2002 in his home in Ft. Lauderdale of cancer of the liver. He is survived by his wife of 47 years I. Lorraine Thomas, and children Pam (Steve) Farber, Ken (Kathy) Thomas, Molly Thomas, Wendy (Paul) Morse and Lori (John) Seitz, and grandchildren: Ashley Floto; Andrew and Alyson Farber; Kristen, Michael, Sean, Stephanie and Shannon Thomas; Christopher and Madison Postlewaite; Amanda, Corey, McKenzie and Natalie Morse; and J.T. and Trevor Seitz. He was born July 2, 1932 in Atlantic City, NJ and was adopted at six weeks old. Dave went on to build a career in the restaurant industry, working for the Hobby House Restaurant, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Arthur Treachers. In 1969, he founded Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers restaurants with the opening of the first Wendy's on Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. The company has become one of the world's largest restaurant chains, with more than 6,000 restaurants. Well-known as Wendy's amiable TV spokesperson, Dave appeared in more than 800 commercials during the 13-year run of the popular advertising campaign. He founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992 and worked tirelessly to help waiting children find permanent, loving homes. Beside his foundation, he actively supported many community organizations including Children's Hospital of Columbus, St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Children's Home Society of Florida and others. Dave served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean Conflict, eventually becoming one of the youngest soldiers to manage an Enlisted Men's Club. He retired as a Staff Sergeant. In 1995, he was conferred a 33° Mason. Family will receive friends at the Wendy's Corporate Headquarters Main Lobby, 4288 W. Dublin-Granville Road, Dublin, Ohio from 6-9pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2002, and from 12-3 and 6-9pm Thursday. Funeral Service 10am, Friday, January 11, 2002, at the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 3500 Mill Run Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Pastor Larry Thompson and Rev. James Wessel officiating. Private entombment at Union Cemetery. A memorial service will also be held at 10am, January 18, at First Baptist Church in Ft. Lauderdale. Arrangements by Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.Schoedinger.com. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, P.O. Box 7164, Dublin, OH 43017, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 300 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, The Dave Thomas Family Primary Care Center at Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, The Wellington School, 3650 Reed Road, Columbus, OH 43220, Or the Children's Home Society of Florida, 401 NE Fourth St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33301, in Dave's memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun-Sentinel on Jan. 9, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for R. Thomas

40 Entries

Deanna

August 5, 2002

Dear Mrs.Thomas & family,

Our family would like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family because of your recent loss of Dave Thomas.

Reading the Holy Scriptures has proven to be a source of real comfort at this time. The words at Psalms 34:18 has encouraged countless persons during their time of grief. It says regarding God, he, "is near to those that are broken at heart;And those who are crushed in spirit he saves." Almighty God is always available to support us during this time and he has promised a resurection(John 5:28,29) for our loved ones.

Sincerely,

Deanna

Julie Carpenter

January 13, 2002

I really enjoyed watching Dave Thomas on tv. He was a kind hearted man. Wendy's was my very first job and I stayed with the company for three years. It was a great experience. My deepest sympathies to the family. He will be missed. Julie

Debbie

January 13, 2002

Dave seemed like he was just so friendly. What a loss for his family and for the family at Wendy's

He was a true Americam hero, but also just a really nice guy. I'm so sorry for your loss, time heals all!

Kimberly Plourde

January 13, 2002

We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Dave Thomas will be missed not only by his loving family but by the American Public as well. He was a true Icon.

With Deepest Sympathies,

The Plourde Family of Exeter, NH

Janice Kelly

January 12, 2002

To Mr. Thomas Family,

My prayer go ou to you and your family. I was so sad to hear that Mr. Thomas pass away. he was a good man. I love to watch him on t.v. but God call him home. God wanted Mr. Thomas to come home and fix them some hamburger up there. my parents are both up there now. My dad loves to eat Wendy,s hamburger and My moma loves to eat the chili. Mr. Thmas is now fix for the peoples in heaven now. And

just think one day we will be up there eat a wendy,s hamburger with Mr. Thomas too. May God Bless You All.....

Lori

January 12, 2002

Our prayers go out to the family. Dave, you will be sorely missed, you were a kind and generous person. A kind sole such as yourself are one in a million. Rest in Peace.

doug rzepniewski

January 12, 2002

DAVE WHAT A GREAT MAN .

Donna Ludy

January 12, 2002

To the Dave Thomas Family

I want to send my deepest sympathies to the family and to all those that loved Dave. Everyone was sad when they got the news that Dave Thomas had died. He was loved by all. I want to let you know that the scriptures tell us that the heart break we feel at the loss of a loved one is only temporary. The sickness that brings on death will be a thing of the past as stated in the prophecy at Isaiah 33:24 which shows there will come a time when no one will say I am sick. Again, I want to say how sorry I am about the death of Dave Thomas. Take comfort from the scriptures.

Donna

Cathy Johnston

January 12, 2002

I will always be grateful to Dave Thomas for his advocacy for adoption benefits in the workplace. It was his leadership that challenged and encouraged employers to support their employees who were becoming adoptive parents. He enouraged businesses to grant the paid leave and financial assistance to adoptive parents. I used his example to lobby for benefits at my hospital. His legacy to adoptive families is an eternal gift. Blessings to the Thomas family. Cathy Johnston ( AKA Alex's mom)

CRAIG REIMAN

January 11, 2002

MAY HIS SOUL BE BOUND IN THE BOND OF ETERNAL LIFE

Shani Perry

January 11, 2002

I recently lost my 'kid' brother - 51 years old. And somewhat unexpected...poor health, but of a nature that one could expect a few more years. And now we've lost 'Dave'. My deepest sympathies with the hope that they're discussing the perfect hamburger at this very moment!

Yuji Nakahashi

January 11, 2002

A king, A hero, A positive Icon. We'll never forget you. Your soul will be with us until Fast food ceases existance. Everyone who feels the same, Please go to wendy's order your favorite meal, Have a moment of silence, and remember who made it all possible.

Yuji Nakahashi

Spicy chicekn enthusiast/Specialist

Hobie Kopek

January 11, 2002

May you be surrounded by burgers, spicy chicken sammiches, frosties, and fries in fast food heaven. You were the true king of fast food.

Rosemary Frame

January 11, 2002

May the Lord bless you and keep you in the palm of his hand. I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Dave's death. I will miss his smile and the warmth that he shared will everyone. I hope you will receive God's grace in knowing that Mr. Dave is in a much better place and he will be waiting for you, when it is your time.

When you feel the dispair which comes after the loss of a loved one, seek God's grace and he will comfort you.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Frame

Tony Rivera

January 11, 2002

Godspeed Dave. Thank you for being a true American icon, ideal and hero.

Rest in Peace.

Karen Escobedo

January 11, 2002

my prayers are with you.

My condolences to his family.

Zachary Crook

January 10, 2002

To the family of Dave Thomas. I pray God will give you comfort and peace in this time of mourning. I want you to know, as I'm sure you do, that all of America in addition to those who knew him personally will miss him. I unfortunately only knew him through his commercials and the wonderful restaurants. I am originally from Texas and it seem everywhere I go the world is touched by his smile in the commercials he blessed us with and the restaurants he founded. The only place I haven't seen his restaurants is here in Saudi Arabia (3 month tour - Air Force). I still heard of his passing here. I just got back from the states because of emergency leave. My grandmother just passed away Dec. 18, 2001. She was 80 yrs. old. I understand your grief and I sympathize with all of you. Dave, you will be missed. We love you!

Carol S

January 10, 2002

May GOD accept the soul of Dave Thomas into his kingdom of heaven and may his blessings continue on the family and comfort you. GOD be with you in this time of great sorrow. With sympathy, Carol

Emily Chiznewski

January 10, 2002

Mr. Thomas was a great guy. I loved seeing his smiling face on my screen I will greatly miss him. He also invented great burgers. LOL!

Luv~

Em

BILL YOUNG

January 10, 2002

Love the burgers, you were a true American icon. You will be missed.

Valerie Perez

January 10, 2002

Years ago, my husband and I were waiting for friends outside of Pete's Restaurant when Dave and his family arrived. We recognized Dave and I surprised myself by going up to him and introducing myself. Instead of being irritated at being interrupted on his night out, he shook my hand and introduced his family to me. A true gentleman!

Rose Robinson

January 10, 2002

Dear Family of the "Wendy's Man"

That is what I called him. I am 37 year old and I remember during the summer our family would travel by car from Pasadena, California to Georgia and I remember the first time I had a 'SQUARE' hamburger. I don't remember what state we were in but it was good! I believe this was probably 1977 or 1979.

I pray that the Lord God will comfort you always, in Jesus Name.

Romans 8: 9&10

Matt: 18:21 & 22

Prov. 3:5&6

Rose Robinson, Pasadena, CA

January 10, 2002

Linda Mulligan

January 10, 2002

I MISS YOU lOVE lINDA

Sandra Anthony

January 10, 2002

I was saddend to heard the news about Mr.Dave (Wendy's) Thomas. Dave will be missed by so many. My condolences to his family. The world will always remember the Wendy's Commericals and Dave Thomas.

Jacquelyn Holmes

January 10, 2002

To The Family of R. David "Dave" Thomas.

I'm very sorry that Mr. Thomas has left us in the physical sense but he is still in everyone's heart. He is a man that I admired and was very proud of. He came a long way and now it's time for him to rest with the Lord. May the Lord bless and keep you.

maryann Darcy

January 10, 2002

Dave will be missed by so many, my condolences to his family. He was an example to all, no matter how your life started, with hard work, you could accomplish anything. GREAT JOB< DAVE!!!

Shannon

January 10, 2002

I was saddened when I heard the news. Mr. Thomas was one of those spokespersons who made us feel like we knew him; he could have been our neighbor or uncle or, if we were lucky, our father.

Michael E. Colley

January 9, 2002

To The Thomas Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with

you, in this time of sorrow.

May God Bless and comfort you in this time of sorrow.

Gary Traylor

January 9, 2002

It's still hard to believe that Dave was really the pres/ceo...

Not what you imagine a pres/ceo to be like. I would have considered myself lucky to work with him, but even more so, I'm guessing that I would feel blessed to have known him.

My condolences to his family and organization.

David Lotz

January 9, 2002

I loved the commercials Dave did. . . I think they will be considered classics. I'm sorry he left us so young . . the world needs more good people like him.

Jessica

January 9, 2002

hey..were really sorry about your loss..we love wendy's! travis really likes the spicy chicken sandwich!! whos gonna do the commercials now?? we miss you! love smash, rene, geez and travis!

BERNARD JOHNSON

January 9, 2002

In remembrance of a man who made a difference in this world. I am confidant that his contributions, ethics & beliefs were due in part to his Masonic membership, and in particular the Scottish Rite Masonry.

January 9, 2002

May God Bless Dave and comfort his family at this time of sorrow.

He will be truely missed.

Richard & Dorothy Dufresne

January 9, 2002

Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this sad time. Your husband and father was a wonderful, redeeming man and someone whom we respected and admired. God Bless the Thomas family.

Nevin Doll

January 9, 2002

He will be missed by the world

Barbara Lambert

January 9, 2002

My thoughts and prayers are with

you, in this time of sorrow.

Your Husband and Father will be

remembered World-Wided as a wonderful person and a loving man.

Paul McElroy

January 9, 2002

To The Thomas Family,

May you find comfort in knowing that complete strangers share in your loss. Dave Thomas made the world a better place through his hard work and determination. I hope that I can emulate his virtues in my own life.

Craig Witzke

January 9, 2002

May God be with you

Robert & Wanda Lemmer

January 9, 2002

We admired Dave Thomas for all he had done with his life. Our sympathy to his family.

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