Ralph Wade Thomas

He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School with the Class of 1965. Ralph married the love of his life, Deborah Johnson, in January 1972. During the 1970s, he had the opportunity to work with his grandfather at Heston Excavating and retired from Dutch Maid in Shelby as a truck driver. Ralph enjoyed working outside around his home and loved to keep his car sparkling clean. He was a die hard Cleveland Browns fan.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deborah Thomas; three children, Jeremy Thomas of Lucas, Jill (Curt) Balas of Mansfield and Jamie (Steve) Zellner of Mansfield; four grandchildren, Kyle Zellner, Emma Zellner, Aidan Balas and Cooper Balas; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Thomas; sister, Candace Thomas; and grandparents, Wade and Eva Poole and Dewey and Pearl Thomas.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2020, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A memorial service conducted by Pastor Michael Rogers will follow at 7:00 p.m.