Ernest E. Thomas, 83, of Route 136, Bentleyville, Somerset Township, died unexpectedly Tuesday, July 14, 1998, in his home. He once worked as a carpenter for John F. Casey Co. and as a welder for Hillman Barge Co. He last worked for National Annealing Box Co. in Washington as a welder and tool room clerk before retiring in 1976. Mr. Thomas was a veteran and served with the U.S. Navy on Iwo Jima during World War II. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. On December 31, 1935, in Morgantown, W.Va., he married Ruth E. Black, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Edward E. Thomas of Bentleyville and Robert L. Thomas of Waynesburg; two daughters, Evelyn L. Wilson of Bentleyville and Mary Ellen Thomas of Bridgeville; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Deceased is a son, Harry I. Thomas, who died January 7, 1992. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Thursday, July 16, 1998Ernest E. Thomas
U.S. Navy veteran served in World War II
He was born September 5, 1914, in Morgantown, W.Va., a son of Henry Harry and Mary Ellen Frum Thomas.