L. Ross Thomas, 90, 16306 Glynwood-New Knoxville Road, Wapakoneta, died at 7:06 a.m. March 9, 2010, at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima.

He was born Nov. 10, 1919, in Elgin, to Howard and Ruth Boroff Thomas. On Nov. 30, 1940, he married Laura Willoughby, who died June 14, 2002.

Surviving are a son, Donald (Nancy) Thomas, Montezuma; a daughter, Nikki (Earl) Jones, St. Marys; two brothers, Carl Thomas, Rockford, and Dale (Mary Ann) Thomas, Wapakoneta; a sister, Ruth Mae Hubbard, Lafayette, Ind.; a sister-in-law Leona Thomas, Van Wert; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Deceased are a daughter, Eileen Thomas; three brothers, Glen, John, and Doyt Thomas, and a sister Edith Harner.

He retired from Goodyear Tire in 1982 after 35 years of service. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in St. Marys. He was also a life member of the St. Marys Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9289, and the St. Marys American Legion Post 323. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was also a Freemason and a Master of Mercer Lodge 121 of Free and Accepted Masons, a past High Priest of St. Marys Chapter 51 of the Royal Arch Masons, an Illustrious Master of St. Marys Council 81 of Royal and Select Masons, all in St. Marys. He was a Commander of Sidney Commandary 46 of Knights Templar, Sidney. He was an honorary 33rd Degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton. He was also a member of the Ohio Priory 18 Masonic Knights of the York Cross of Honour. He was also a district education officer and district deputy grand master of the 10th Masonic District. He was a 1937 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School.

Memorial services are 7 p.m. Thursday at Cisco Funeral Home in St. Marys, the Rev. Steve Weatherly officiating, with Masonic Service and St. Marys VFW military services.

Calling is 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to Grace United Methodist Church, St. Marys.

Condolences can be left at www.ciscofuneralhome.com.