Vernon Robert Thomas departed this life to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, July 25, 2016, at Our Lady Of The Angels Hospital.

He was born on Oct. 12, 1918, to the late Ephriam Thomas and Meacy Blackwell Thomas. He was a native of Plainview community and had lived the past six years in Resthaven Living Center.

He was married to the late Eunice Sharp Thomas and they had a daughter, Arline Thomas Bankston (Julius). He later married the late Ouida Carter Thomas and they had two daughters, Dianne Thomas Cesario (Tim) and Donnis Thomas Sanders (Rodney) and step-daughter, Katherine Stringer Lovecchio, whom he loved and cherished as his own. He had 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters, Archie Thomas, Mabel Thomas George, Harold Thomas, Alton Thomas, Virgil Thomas, Ruth Thomas Little and George Thomas.

Mr. Thomas served in the U.S. Army during World War II and spent 14 months as a prisoner of war.

He retired from Crown Zellerbach in 1985.

He was a faithful member of Pettitt Memorial Baptist Church and loved his church family and Bro. Tommy Varnado and Bro. Tommy Pittman. At Resthaven Living Center, he attended chapel services through Monroe Street Baptist Church and loved Bro. Chad Jenkins. He joyfully served the Lord for numerous years. He had a very kind heart, always willing to help others. He was devoted to his faith. He loved his family, always putting their needs above his own.

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 27, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m., with Bro. Tommy Varnado and Bro. Chad Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Monroe Street Baptist Church/Resthaven Living Center Ministry Chapel Fund, 1412 Monroe St., Bogalusa, LA 70427.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.