Obituary of Roland Thomas

NA Roland David Thomas "Ron" Roland David Thomas 78, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at his Lake Lawrence Home in Yelm. He was born December 8, 1933 in New Ulm, Minnesota to Wesley D. & Nellie E. Thomas. He joined the U.S. Navy serving as a Cook/Commissaryman during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. He had served on the USS Altair cargo handling ship, later transferring to the LST 519, hauling ammo to the East Coast. He also served on the USS Aucilla Fleet Oiler/Refueling ship, and for a short time on an Aircraft Carrier. He lived in Seattle from 1955 to 1980. He married Joyce Filbert on December 28, 1956 in Yelm, WA. They also lived in College Place, WA. From 1968-1970, returning to Seattle in 1970, and later moving to Yelm in 1980. Roland worked as an Appliance Technician for 48 years. He had worked for Appliance Service Station & Robinson Distributing in Seattle; Tompkins Appliance Service, Walla Walla, WA; and Thomas Appliance Service in Yelm. Roland enjoyed camping, sports, playing cards, gardening, bowling and being close with his family and friends. He was a member of the Nisqually Valley Moose Lodge #1905 from 1986-2012, and served as Governor for one term. His family will remember his wit and great sense of humor, his excellent cooking, his love of Polka, and his immense willingness to help anyone. Roland was a huge Mariners Baseball fan and enjoyed playing Keno at the Casino. Surviving him are his wife of 55 years Joyce Thomas; sons, Jeffrey (Barbara), Ronald (Mary), David (Tami), and daughter Tari (Juan) Galindo, all residing in Washington; His brother Gerald (Myrna) Thomas and sisters, Beverly McGuire, Grace (William, Jr.) Lassas, Eleanor (Louie) Osdoba, and Sharon (Earl) Taylor, all residing in Minnesota; (9) Grandchildren and (6) Great Grandchildren, and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Thomas O. and Harland Thomas. Memorial donations are suggested to: Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice, 3432 South Bay Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506