Orval “Tom” Ansel Thomas, age 82, from Manteca passed away on May 17, 2011.

He was born on March 5, 1929 in Cle Elum, Washington. He graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland, Ca. He served in the military during the Korean War with the 209th Military Police Company, 2nd Platoon, stationed in Kobe, Japan from November 1950-52. He achieved the rank of corporal.

He met his wife, Eileen T. Nelson, in San Leandro; they were married June 16, 1956 and raised four children. He worked for Chrysler as a stock chaser, forklift driver and later a truck driver. Along with his family, he loved American-made cars. He could tell the year a car was built on sight. He enjoyed watching action films, Westerns and the occasional science fiction movie; he loved his White Owl cigars, Miller Lite and wouldn’t eat a meal without garlic salt. He liked to listen to Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson and Johnny Cash. He liked dressing sharp and he was always singing.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen, his children; Guy W. Thomas of San Leandro, Ca, Linda E. Thomas, Richard T. Thomas, both of Tracy, Ca, Cheryl A. Allen and her husband Eric of Manteca, Ca; his grandchildren, Tyler Allen (currently serving in the US Army), Dillon Allen and Katelyn Allen of Manteca.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ansel and Lovicia Thomas; He was a good and caring husband, father and grandfather. He is deeply missed.

P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is in charge of his funeral arrangements. A service will be held in his honor on Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 4 p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son 290 N. Union Road, Manteca, Ca 95336. An online guest book is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, May 21, 2011