Donald Howard Thomas

Donald Howard Thomas, 83, of Zion, MD, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at home following a long illness.  He was born on March 4, 1941, to Ralph and Doris Thomas. Donald was married to his high school sweetheart, Ruth Anne Criswell, for 65 years.  He is survived by three sons, Dale (Cathy), Craig (Deborah), and Kerry (Jessie), as well as 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his 3 siblings and 1 great-grandchild.

Shortly after his marriage in 1959, Donald went to work at Hagley Museum in Wilmington, Delaware, starting out on the grounds crew.  There, with some formal training and much on the job training, he became a jack of all trades, proficient in plumbing, heating, electrical, and construction work.   He continued through promotions at Hagley and eventually became the head of the maintenance department there.  Donald retired from Hagley after 40 years of faithful dedication and then devoted himself to generously helping family and friends with their projects and repairs.  Never one to sit still, Donald loved attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. In his free time, he enjoyed making memories camping, hiking, and traveling across the US with Ruth Anne and family.

A man of quiet faith, he attended Grace Bible Chapel in Rising Sun, MD, for many years. A graveside service celebrating Donald’s life and his Savior will be held at Rosebank Cemetery in Calvert, MD on January 8th, 2025, at 1pm.  There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Bible Chapel in support of global missions.