Patten, ME – Raymond Thomas, Jr, 79, of Patten, passed away peacefully with his wife Karen by his side, on Sunday, July 10 at Houlton Regional Hospital after a long and courageous battle with several chronic illnesses.
Son of the late Raymond Thomas & Margaret (Marshall) Thomas, Ray was born in Burlington, New Jersey on April 28, 1943. After high school, Ray joined the military, serving in both the Army and the Coast Guard. Although Ray had many different jobs during his career, his passion was the time he spent as an EMT and a volunteer fire fighter. He particularily enjoyed his time at Patten Fire Department and loved being the town Santa Clause. Ray was also a huge animal lover and rescuer, and will be greatly missed by the dogs, cats, and birds that he left behind.
Ray was of the Baptist faith. Although he loved his life on earth and fought a good fight, Ray was also looking forward to the day he went to Heaven. He said often, “my bags are packed and I’m ready to go.”
Ray is survived by his wife, Karen, his children from a previous marriage, Colleene Swanson of New Jersey, son Ray Thomas of Ohio, and daughter Corrine Thomas of New York, his brothers Robert (Flo) Thomas of Edinburg, and James Thomas of Lincoln, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Carolyn “Sis” Nagy and her husband Joe.
His wife would like to thank the staff of Houlton Regional Hospital, including Dr Older, for the excellent care he received over the years and particularily his end of life care. She would also like to thank his personal care attendants, especially Ross and Penny Gowen, Dorothy Peavey, and Katie Lovett.
Graveside services will be held at Patten Cemetery at 1 pm on Monday with full military honors. Pastor Craig Fitzpatrick will be conducting the service. A luncheon at Stetson United Methodist church will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Patten Fire Department or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Messages of condolence expressed at Ray’s Book of Memories at www.lamsonfh.com.