This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marysday Surnames: Thomas, Ruicker, Rantleberg, Brown, James, Marshall, Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oregon.counties.lincoln/5631/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The News Times, Newport, OR 97365 Posted: Friday, Oct 29th, 2010 Bill Thomas Jr. Willis "Bill" D. Thomas Jr., 88, of Lincoln City, Ore., died from complications due to a fall on Sept. 10, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis. He was born Jan 3, 1922 to Emma Louise Ruicker and Willis D. Thomas Sr. in Hillsboro, Ore. He married June Rantleberg in 1941, and then later married Donna Brown in 1963. He attended Lincoln High School in Portland, as well as Dale Carnegie Teaching Courses plus numerous trade school courses. He joined the U.S. Marines, serving in Guadalcanal, Company B 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marines Division, 3rd boat on shore. He worked for the railroad and in construction, and taught driving of large trucks through Teamsters and lastly for Callam Co. Transit in Washington. He loved the L.A. Dodgers, photography, waterskiing and camping in his younger years, coaching Little League, playing ball with his grandson, and rock collecting with his kids and music. He had a fabulous voice and would always sing his favorite Nat King Cole song. He always knew how to charm the ladies of all ages; they gravitated to his attentions even till the age of 88. He captivated people with his stories. He loved his dachshund, Beau, who lived to be 18. He co-raised three children, whom he was always proud of. He was preceded in death by his half-brother. He is survived by his daughter, Irene (Dan) Thomas-James of Lincoln City; sons, Jonathan (Jan) Thomas of Novato, Calif. and Randy (Mikiko) Thomas of Las Vegas; grandson Brett Martin of Portland; granddaughter Laurel Marshall of northern California; and two great-grandchildren. There will be three services in the summer of 2011: one at Willamette National Cemetery; a celebration of life for friends and family filled with his favorite "chocolates," sweets and coffee; and a scattering of his remains at his favorite railroad crossings that he worked on during his teens. Any food donations to homeless people would be appreciated and living life with a "Pay It Forward" mentality would be his wishes. Affordable Burial and Cremation is handling arrangements. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.