Donald Eugene Thomas

Donald Eugene Thomas was born on Saturday, March 20, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the 3rd child born to the late Charlene (Greathouse) Thomas and Odell Thomas. Donald fell asleep in death at the age of 77 on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at OhioHealth Hospital in Mansfield, Ohio. He grew up in the Ohio area, at times in Shelby, Newark and Mansfield. He attended schools in Newark, Mansfield and Ontario.

Don, as he liked to be called, worked at his father’s gas station and eventually decided to join the military. He first enlisted in the U.S. Navy and then in the U.S. Air Force. During his military career Don married. Though that union was not permanent, three lovely children were born, Doni Thomas, Kirsty Thomas Webster and Tami Thomas.

While stationed in Spain, Don met Jehovah’s Witnesses. In 1985, after his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Don dedicated his life to Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He had the opportunity to be used by Jehovah in several capacities including Congregation Elder, the Hospital Liaison Committee, School Overseer, Watchtower Conductor and Overseer of the ASL group and Congregation in Yuma, AZ.

In 2001, Don met and married his best friend, Effie Fulton, at the Kingdom Hall in Yuma, AZ. The two of them were inseparable. Their genuine love and affection for each other could be seen by anyone who had an opportunity to spend even a little time with them. They enjoyed many happy trips with family traveling from Yuma, AZ to Mansfield, OH, and all over the U.S. and Mexico. Their recent travels have taken them as far as Ketchikan, AK.

Don began a career as a Service Tech at Coca-Cola in Phoenix, AZ. He worked for Coca-Cola until he retired in 2010 to pursue a full-time ministry as a Regular Pioneer. Don was very instrumental in aiding many others to make the decision to serve Jehovah. One of Don and Effie’s greatest joys was sharing Bible truth with any who would listen.

In 2012, Don moved back to Mansfield, Ohio, to help take care of his mother. He and his wife assisted her for 6 years until his sister, Glenda, was able to do so.

Don was always willing to help anyone in need. Whether it was fixing a car, a washing machine, a furnace, repairing plumbing or cutting grass, Don was there and happy to lend a hand. It didn’t matter whether they were family, friends or neighbors, Don would help. Don was a very active man riding his E-bike as far at Lucas, OH, and working out at the gym three times a week. But probably one of the most notable things about Don was his quick wit and sense of humor. He had the ability to turn any situation around and make you laugh. You’d never have a dull moment with him. Truly a precious gift he had.

Don was a loving husband and a devoted father who truly loved his children and grandchildren, a dutiful son, loyal brother and a caring uncle and friend to so many.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; two brother, Douglas Thomas and Gary Thomas; and a sister, Tami Thomas.

Don is survived by his wife of 23 ½ years, Effie Fulton Thomas; his children, Donald (Raye) Thomas, Kirsty Thomas Webster and Tamara Thomas; his grandchildren, Diba (Antoinne) Levi, Chris (Linda) Auten, Michael (Krystal) Thomas, Daryl Webster, Calum Webster, Ashley Webster, Jessica Perry, Elijah (Alexis) Thomas, Kaleb (Danielle) Thomas, Kelsey Walker, Taylor Wittig and Benjamin Wittig; great-grandchildren, Alexis Levi, Alliyah Levi, Elijah Webster, Leo Webster, Lexi Webster, Mia Webster, Lillie Mae Webster, William Perry, Peter Perry, Lucian Wittig, Peyton Thomas, Delylah Thomas, Kamdyn Thomas, Eyrabella Thomas and Vaia Bradley; his brother, Roy Thomas; his sister, Glenda Villinger; and a hos of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1780 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield, OH 44904.

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Effie Thomas, PO Box 475, Mansfield, Ohio 44901.

Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services by Wappner is honored to serve the family.