Paul Thomas

It is with great sadness that the family of Paul Richard Thomas announces his passing on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at the age of 82 years. Paul and his wife, Barbara, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, he will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Julie Thomas Payne (Michael) and 2 grandchildren whom he adored, Carolyn and Sam Payne; and his daughter in law, Carolyn Alto. Paul is also survived by his brothers Gary, Mike, Terry and Keith and his sisters Patricia Williams and Betty Hamer. Paul was predeceased by his son Jeff.

Paul grew up in New Boston, Ohio and attended Eastern Kentucky University where he played football and was a member of the 1954 Eastern team which went undefeated, won the All-Ohio Valley Conference, and played in the Tangerine Bowl on New Years' Day 1955. After graduating, Paul worked as a high school teacher and coach before joining Ashland Oil, Inc. in 1965 where he enjoyed a 30 year career. His love for sports never waned. Throughout his adult life he coached various little league football teams in Ashland and umpired baseball and refereed football around Kentucky and throughout the Tri-State area. In addition, Paul was a member of the Ashland Breakfast Kiwanis Club where he served as Treasurer for many years. He was also a long-standing member of First United Methodist Church where he and Barbara were married in 1957.

Visitation is at Steen Funeral Home located at 1501 Central Avenue in Ashland on Thursday, February 22, 2018, from 5 until 7 p.m. There will be a Service celebrating Paul's life on Friday, February 23, 2018 at Noon, at the First United Methodist Church, 1811 Carter Avenue in Ashland. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Paul to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1670, Ashland, KY, 41105-1670.