Byron Thomas

He is survived by the love of his life, Dalyce Henderson, his wife of 67 years. Together, they raised three children, Joe Thomas (wife Karen and daughter Becky), Brenda Bush (husband Laird, daughter Season, sons Ryan and Aaron), and Mary Jane Berklich (husband Paul and son Jonathan). He also leaves behind great grandchildren Natalina and AJ.

Byron was born on January 28, 1927 in Crawfordsville, Indiana to Kelsey Thomas and Electa Wheat. A day before his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the US Navy during World War II and served in Saipan as a Fireman Second Class. Upon returning from the war, he completed high school and married Dalyce on March 25, 1949. He went on to become a Journeyman Maintenance Machinist and enjoyed a long career with R.R. Donnelley & Sons in Crawfordsville, eventually transferring to Lancaster, PA. Byron was passionate about caring for others and served his community as a volunteer fireman, EMT, auxiliary police officer and deacon in his church. He also became a Freemason and a Shriner clown.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 1 pm at the Tropical Haven Community Center, 1205 Eddie Allen Drive, Melbourne, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Shriner Hospital for Children, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL.

Final interment will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Pennsylvania with full military honors later this year.