Meredith “Tom” Burdette Thomas, Jr.
March 16, 1931 - March 4, 2016
Meredith Tom Burdette Thomas, Jr., age 84, of Newark, DE, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2016.
A lifelong resident of Newark, Tom was born on March 16, 1931, and was the son of the late Meredith B., Sr. and Ethel (Poole) Thomas. He was a member of the Newark High School graduating class of 1949. Tom proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a Department of Defense Medal recipient. He made his career with Delmarva Power where he worked in administrative services, retiring after 38 years of dedicated employment.
Tom was a former member of the Newark United Methodist Church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and currently a member of Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church. He possesed a keen interest in politics and served as a volunteer for the Democratic party. Tom was a longtime member of the American Legion in Newark. A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be dearly missed by all. Life is a journey, take calculated risks and pursue your goals with desire, determination, and drive. Believe in yourself and your team/family in all your endeavors.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Olan Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ann (Givens) Thomas; children, Debbie Thomas of Dagsboro, DE, Jennifer Brubaker (Jeffrey) of Richmond, KY and Mitchell Thomas (Cari) of Bear, DE; and grandchildren, Kristin and Kyle Brubaker and Avery and Chase Thomas; and many extended family members, in-laws, nieces, and nephews. The family appreciates the wonderful care Tom received from the medical personnel and his caregivers.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday morning, March 10, 2016 at the Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 500 McKennans Church Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19808, where a visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Interment will be held in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE, at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Newark High School, 750 E. Delaware Ave., Newark, DE, 19711, or Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 500 McKennans Church Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19808.
Marian & Dick Trippe
Meredith and Marian were cousins who truly cared about each other. He was kind and fun to be around when we were kids, and Marian loved him dearly. When they were kids, even though she was much younger than he, and a girl to boot, he tolerated her hanging around and never made her feel like she was a pest. He will be missed by many.
Cathee and Greg
We love you and are thinking of you today and always. Tom was such a sweet person. Our love to you, Ann, Jenny, Jeff, Kristin, Kyle, Mitch, Cari, Avery and Chase. You all are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts.
Tom and Suzanne. Disse
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Condolences to all of your family.
Marilyn Pfeiffer
I had the privilege of working with Tom as a health care provider. I always appreciated his desire to work with me despite his pain and physical limitations. No matter how bad he felt, Tom gave me 100% of his ability. Tom and Ann were always hospitable, caring and helpful to me personally. Tom always asked me about my family and how I was doing even when he was obviously not feeling well.
I appreciate the example of love, concern and courage that Tom demonstrated. I have learned a lot about enduring suffering with a hopeful and resolved attitude and I am grateful to God to have known Tom.
David and Cindy Johns
So sorry to learn of Tom’s passing, Ann. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Wendall & Jan Milliken
Our sincere condolences to Anne, Jenifer, Jeff, Kristen, and Kyle. Husband, Father, and grandfather will be missed but remembered forever. Jan and I wish you fond memories.
Sherry Spear johnson
Ann and children,grandchildren,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Tom was such a character . Loved those Hess trucks.we had so many interesting conversations while you took your brief outings Ann.
You are in my prayers.
Sherry
Dawn Vinson
So sorry to hear about Tom .Prayers to you Ann.
Betsy Wenny
Ann – so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I am unable to come to the visitation to give my condolences in person, but I wanted you to know that you and your family are being “held in the light.” Consider yourself hugged by me!
Ann Thomas
Thank you Marian. Meredith was so fond of you.
Ann Thomas
Thank you Cathee and Greg for being here last week. Your help is appreciated.
Ann Thomas
Thank you for coming to help us prepare for the funeral.
Ann Thomas
The family is so appreciative of the way you helped Tom. With your help he overcame so many hurdles. Thank you Marilyn for your kind thoughts.
Ann Thomas
Thank you for your care and concern.
Ann Thomas
So nice to hear from you Sherry. You were one of the first aides to come to the house to care for Tom. Thank you for all you did for him. So nice to hear from you.
Ann Thomas
Thank you Dawn for your help with Tom.
Ann Thomas
Thank you Betsy. Tom spent 12 years living with Parkinson’s. It is nice hearing from you.