This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marysday Surnames: Thomas, Ruicker, Rantleberg, Brown, James, Martin, Marshall Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oregon.counties.lincoln/5619/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The News Guard, Lincoln City, OR 97367 October 26, 2010 WILLIS D. JR. THOMAS Willis "Bill" D. Thomas Jr. died Sept. 10, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis from complications due to a fall. He was born Jan 3, 1922, in Hillsboro, Ore., to Emma Louise Ruicker and Willis D. Thomas Sr. He married June Rantleberg in 1941 and 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, construction, taught driving of large trucks through Teamsters & lastly for Callam Co. Transit in Washington. Bill loved the L.A. Dodgers, photography, water skiing and camping in his younger years, coaching Little League, playing ball with his grandson, and rock collecting with his kids and music. Bill 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. Bill could captivate you with his stories and they were very often peppered with his great wit and embellished with sometimes "unbelievable" facts, but always a fun story. He loved his dachshund "Beau," who lived to be 18. He co-raised three children, whom he was always proud of. He is survived by his daughter, Irene Thomas-James, and husband, Dan, of Lincoln City; son Jonathan Thomas and wife, Jan, of Novato, Calif.; son Randy Thomas and wife, Mikiko, of Las Vegas , Nev.; grandson Brett Martin of Portland; granddaughter Laurel Marshall of northern California; and two great-grandchildren. A half-brother died earlier. 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 cremains 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. 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.