Nathan L Thomas

If there's a band in need of a trumpet player in the afterlife, Nathan L. Thomas, Jr. has probably already joined up. He passed away at age 77 on July 5th in his home, because he apparently heard some music he had to get to. Nathan grew up in Lebanon, Ohio, and after high school graduation, he proudly served in the 76th US Army Band in Orléans, France. Nathan graduated from Miami University in 1966, and was a band director himself for eighteen years in Oxford, Ohio. After leaving that gig, he then led a varied life of many endeavors, including making more music any chance he got, whether through community theater, community bands, or church music. He also enjoyed chasing a golf ball around as often as possible and letting his sisters beat him at Scrabble. He was always a teacher, though, and as a parent, uncle, friend, and husband he was always quick with a joke, was everyone's biggest fan, and had a knack for making each person feel like they were his favorite. Privately, though he dreamed of the ocean, and loved his family best. He is survived by his wife Kay, who was the love of his life as they shared 52 years of marriage; his son Nate and his wife Nina; his daughter Joan, her husband Jim and their two daughters Natalie and Bethany.

We will celebrate his life with an Open House on Wednesday, July 11th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Computer Helper, 450 Beecher Road in Gahanna, Ohio, 43230, and with a Memorial Celebration at Gates Fourth United Methodist Church, 119 E. Gates Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206 on Saturday, July 14th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations are made to any of the following charities or to a charity of your choice: Foundation to Assist Young Musicians - FAYM, P.O Box 1993, Las Vegas, NV 89125-1993 ( www.thefaym.org/donate/ ). Or Gates Fourth UMC, Organ/Handbell Fund or Building Fund, 119 E. Gates Street, Columbus, OH 43206. Or GRIN4Gahanna, Gahanna Residence in Need, ATTN: Brenda Johnston, P.O Box 307563, Gahanna, OH 43230 ( www.grin4gahanna.org/ )