Samuel R. "Doc" Thomas

Samuel R. "Doc" Thomas, DVM, of rural Bucyrus died Thursday, October 27, 2011 at Partners of Marion where he was surrounded by family.

Sam was born in 1934 in Pittsburgh, Pa. to the late Samuel J. and Mary M. (Menk) Thomas. He was a 1952 graduate of Steubenville High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from The Ohio State University in 1956. While in college, Sam served with the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. He then completed his DVM degree in 1961 at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Sam moved to Bucyrus where, for 50 years, he served Crawford and surrounding counties with his expertise in veterinary care. During these years, the community learned of his genuine passion for what he did. Work was his hobby and his hobby was his work. Sam also had a great love for his family and instilled in each of them that if they took the hard road, life would become easier. He maintained a great sense of humor, loved making others laugh and always had a story to tell no matter the situation.

Doc served as an adjunct professor with OSU; managed and served as the Pickwick Farms Veterinarian for a number of years; served as Crawford County Health Commissioner for 10 years; served on the Bucyrus Community Hospital Board of Directors and had served as a youth director at the First Presbyterian Church in the early 1970's. He was a member of the local, state and national veterinary medical associations; the OSU Medical Alumni Association; Delta Chi and Alpha Psi, where he served as president and also belonged to many other professional organizations.

Sam was first married to Enid Stringfield. He later married Tina Schnabel, who survives following 25 years of happiness. He is also survived by five children, Barbara (Dr. Richard) Patterson, Dr. Beth (Bruce Glaser) Thomas, Samuel (Crystal) Thomas, Michael C. (Andrea) Thomas and Morgan S. Thomas; seven grandchildren, Ellen Patterson, Mark Patterson, Jim (Virginia Patterson) Douglas, Steven Harter, Blake Thomas, Alec Thomas and Eric Thomas; one great granddaughter, Ellen Olivia Douglas; his mother-in-law, Mary Jo Schnabel; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. David and Jude Foulk; as well as two nieces, Stephanie (Matt) Hemmerick and Claudia Foulk and one nephew, David Foulk.

In addition to his parents, Sam is preceded in death by a son, James S. Thomas and his father-in-law, Samuel G. Schnabel.

Friends may call from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, October 31 at the First Church of the Nazarene, SR 4 South of Bucyrus, where funeral services will be held at 12 noon Tuesday with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery where full military rites will be provided by the U.S. Army and the Am. Legion, Post 181. Memorial contributions may be given to Hope Lodge in Rochester, MN, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Humane Society serving Crawford County, Salvation Army or the Crawford County Chapter of the American Red Cross through Wise Funeral Service. Llive webcast of the funeral can be viewed at Noon Tuesday by visiting www.wisefuneral.com.



Visitation:

Monday, October 31, 2011 1-3 & 6-8 p.m.

Bucyrus First Church of the Nazarene,2165 St. Rt. 4 S, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 12 Noon

Bucyrus First Church of the Nazarene,2165 St. Rt. 4 S, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820