Obituary of William R. Thomas

William R. Thomas, 85, of State College, died Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Hershey Medical Center.

Born May 29, 1935, in Wilkes Barre, he was the son of the late William M. and Althea Morgan Thomas. On August 24, 1957 he married Jane Jennings, who survives.

In addition to his wife, William is survived by two children, Roderick S. Thomas and his wife Lorella of Boalsburg, and Craig F. Thomas and his wife Heidi of Arlington, VA; two grandchildren, Ben and Rachel Thomas; and a daughter-in-law, Noreen Thomas of St. Petersburg, FL. He was preceded in death by a son, Bradford Thomas, on May 28, 2016.

William graduated from Dallas Township High School in 1953. He earned his bachelor's degree in Dairy Science from the Penn State University School of Agriculture in 1957. He worked in food science research and development for FMC Corporation.

He was a member of State College Presbyterian Church. In the past he was also treasurer and elder of Northampton Presbyterian Church in Holland, PA. He was a member of the Institute of Food Technologists, F&AM-#700 State College, and Lehigh Valley Consistory. He was a fan of Penn State University sports, and was the membership chair for the women's volleyball booster club. He also enjoyed golf, building things, and RVing. Living at the Village, he enjoyed Romeo's, poker, and various committees.

Private graveside service and burial will be in Boalsburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Village at Penn State Benevolent Fund, 260 Lions Hill Road, State College, PA, 16803; or to State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave., State College, PA, 16801.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.