Gary J. Thomas

Gary J. Thomas, 76, of Oak Hill, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice House of Dayton, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born on April 26, 1949, in Oak Hill, Ohio, the son of the late Howell J. Thomas and Wilma (McCain) Thomas. A lifelong resident of Oak Hill, Gary was deeply devoted to his family, his faith, and his community.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, June R. Williams, and his brother, Lary J. Thomas.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Portia E. (McFann) Thomas, whose partnership and love were the foundation of his life. Gary was a proud and devoted father to his four children: Marlo G. (Kent) Yarnall, Trevor J. (Lucy) Thomas, Bronwyn E. (Rick) Patterson, and Trenton J. (LaChelle) Thomas. He was a cherished grandfather to: Moriah and Taylor Waller, Meagan and Steven Meisenzahl, Brady and Haleigh Thomas, Paige Patterson, Bailee Thomas, Mason Thomas, Blake Patterson, Aubree Thomas, Tanner Thomas, Teegan Thomas, and Marley Yarnall. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Maren Taylor Waller and Millie Ann Meisenzahl, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Dennis (Cathie) McFann, Eric (Yvonne) McFann, and Wayne Williams and numerous Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Gary graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1967 and carried with him a fun-loving outlook on life that touched everyone he met. Early in his career, he was the owner-operator of Jones-Morgan Hardware, where he built lasting relationships within the community. He later retired from Western & Southern Life Insurance.

A dedicated public servant, Gary spent nearly 25 years on the Oak Hill School Board and was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Oak Hill Village Council, Water Board, Oak Hill Chamber of Commerce, and the Davis Home for the Aged. His commitment to service extended to his long-standing membership of over 50 years in the Portland Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Gary was also a faithful member of Faith United Methodist Church, where his values of kindness, generosity, and service were evident in all he did.

Above all, Gary will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud Poppy, and a man who truly cherished his family, friends, and his community. His legacy of service and unwavering dedication will live on in the lives he touched.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 12-2 PM at The Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Oak Hill with a Masonic service starting at 1:45 PM. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Jeffrey A. Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in C.M. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s memory to Oak Hill United Methodist Church c/o Diana Parks, 43 Kristi Dr., Bidwell, Ohio 45614, or Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.