Gerald "Leroy" Thomas

Gerald “Leroy” Thomas, age 83 of Lafayette, died at 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at his residence. Leroy was born near Tab, IN on October 5, 1926. He was the son of Charley E. and Grace (Lawman) Thomas. He was a 1944 graduate of Williamsport High School. He married Rosemary J. Hillyer on January 11, 1947 in Williamsport. She survives. They previously lived in Ft. Pierce, FL and Salem, SC before moving to Lafayette in October 1996. Leroy served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was an electrician at Ft. Pierce Florida Utility Authority for 24 years retiring in 1986. Prior to working in Florida he worked for Public Service Indiana. He enjoyed watching NASCAR. Surviving are, 1 brother, Charley E. Thomas of Lafayette; nieces and nephews, Holly Stein (husband: Ron) of Colorado, Susan Skaggs (husband: David) of Crown Point, IN, Georgia Stewart (husband: Jim) of Dyer, IN, Phillip Thomas (wife: Jeanine) of Hammond, IN, Sonya Bucklin (husband: Jeff) of Brazil, IN, Charley Thomas III of Lafayette, IN, and special friends, Rick and Kathy Wyant of Lafayette. Leroy was preceded in death by 1 brother, George W. Thomas, 1 sister, Frances Hewitt, infant brother, and an infant sister. Visitation will be at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with graveside service to immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in Williamsport. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Elizabeth Hospice, 1415 Salem Street Lafayette, IN 47904.