Tom David Cole Thomas passed away in Port Charlotte, Florida on January 11, 2019. He was born in Granite City, Illinois on October 16, 1928, the son of Tom D. B. Thomas and Abbie (Hasler) Thomas. “Dave” was a long term resident of Punta Gorda, having moved there in 1987.
He graduated from Purdue University in 1950 with degrees in Civil Engineering and Naval Science & Tactics. Upon graduation, he received a commission in the US Navy in which he served during the Korean War. Upon an honorable discharge in 1953, he commenced a career as a professional Civil Engineer which he continued for about 40 years. During his career, he was issued six US patents for the design of aluminum structures.
Dave enjoyed boating and golfing. He was an active member of the Isles Yacht Club and was the oldest past commodore at the time of his death. He was a past member of the Saint Andrews South Golf Club where he had served on the Board of Directors.
His father’s ancestry was a source of pride for Dave and he maintained contact with his Welsh cousins scattered around the world. He was equally proud of his mother’s “Hoosier” ancestry.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis Elaine Thomas of Punta Gorda; his son, Gregory Cole Thomas of Plano, Texas; his sister, Betsy Guthrie of Peru, Indiana; and his three grand children, Alexander, Ashley and Jeremy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777 (www.michaeljfox.org).
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