RICHARD LEROY THOMAS, age 71 years, died on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 in his home in Whiteford, MD. He was the husband of Carol (Bush) Thomas who passed away on June 13, 2002.

Born on June 8, 1941 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late H. LeRoy and Eugenia (Stubbs) Thomas. A lifetime resident of Harford County, Mr. Thomas graduated from North Harford High School in 1959. He was a devoted farmer and was proud to be the 3rd generation working actively on the family dairy farm. While farming, Mr. Thomas also drove a school bus for 15 years for the former Petty’s Garage of Whiteford, MD. After dispersing the dairy herd in 1991, he was employed by the Harford County Government Dept. of Highways, retiring in 2009 from the Whiteford Shop. During his retirement, he continued his love of farming, working with his friend, Dan Delp.

Mr. Thomas was a member for over 50 years at the Slateville Presbyterian Church, Delta, PA where he had served as an elder, president of the board of trustees and secretary of the Sunday School program.

Mr. Thomas had received the “Outstanding Young Farmer” award from the Southern States Coop. He loved farming as well as gardening, was known for his quiet ways and wonderful sense of humor. He was devoted and active in the lives of his grandchildren.

He is survived by:
A daughter, Martha A. Slemaker and her husband, Fred of Whiteford, MD

A sister, Penny T. Adams, and her husband, Paul of Elkton, MD

Two grandchildren-
Elizabeth Ann Slemaker and Richard F. Slemaker, both of Whiteford, MD

His dear friend, Janice A. Hopkins of Bel Air, MD.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, PA with a visitation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. followed immediately with the funeral service at 11 a.m. Reverend Harry R. Robinson, retired minister of Slateville Presbyterian Church and Reverend Kenneth Osborne, Interim Pastor of Churchville Presbyterian Church will co-officiate.

Interment will be Slateville Cemetery, Delta, PA.

Pallbearers will be Dan Delp, Pete Whiteford, Dean Colvin, Scott Taylor, Charles E. Bush and Kenneth Myers

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of MD Greenebaum Cancer Center Hematologic Malignancies General Fund, University of Maryland, 22 S. Greene St., N9E17, Baltimore, MD 21201 or by visiting: www.ummsfoundation.org or to the Slateville Cemetery Association, 308 Slateville Road, Delta, PA 17314.

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