John R. Thomas, 83, of Tyrone died Monday April 17, 2017 at his residence.

He was born January 19, 1934 in Tyrone, a son of John and Margaret (Gill) Thomas. On December 8, 1972 in Winchester, Virginia he married Donna J. Banks.

Surviving are his wife, two sons, John R. Jr. and wife Kim of Pittsburgh, Douglas and wife Shanna of Tyrone, a daughter Deborah Green of Bellwood, 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 3 step-children, Gary Joe Gordon of Bald Eagle, Brenda Waite and husband Harry of Tyrone, Dodie Serafini of Chandler, Arizona and a sister Janet Williams of Tyrone. He was preceded in death by 2 daughters Diane and Brenda, 2 sisters, Flo and Louise and a brother Morris “Pappy” Gill.

He had been a career policeman serving with the State College and Tyrone Police Departments.

He was a 1951 graduate of Tyrone High School. He was a graduate of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy placing top 3 in his class and was also a graduate of the Pittsburgh Police Academy.

He had been an accomplished baseball player in his younger days. He was given a tryout at Forbes Field by the Pittsburgh Pirates and made the team and was sent to their farm team in New Brunswick, Georgia. Seeking the position of third base his career was cut short by injury.

He loved his family and especially his grandchildren. He was an avid hunter and sports fanatic and enjoyed yardwork, bowling and basketball.

Funeral services will be held Friday April 21, 2017 at 11 A.M. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tyrone with Rev. Eric Shafer officiating. Friends will be received at the Feller Memorial Home on Thursday from 6 to 8 P.M. and on Friday at the church from 10 until 11 A.M.

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