PHILPOT, Ky. — William T. “Bill” Thomas, 92, of Philpot, passed away Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, at Wellington Parc. He was born in Union County, Kentucky, to the late Jesse Joseph and Pearl Marie Hancock Thomas.
He was an award-winning dairy farmer for many years, operating a very successful dairy in Philpot. Later he became a master furniture builder and cabinet maker. After a farm accident injuring his right and dominant hand, he defied adversity and created some of his most beautiful works which can be seen at local churches, including the altar at Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church.
He thoroughly enjoyed building his home and shop with customized cabinets, designing his ornamental fish pond, and keeping a meticulous garden and yard. Even after suffering a life changing stroke and dementia, he maintained a positive attitude and strong perseverance.
He was a role model in his church, sharing his beliefs with those around him through his positive example. He was a Christian patriarch leading his family through prayer and sacrifice. He and his wife, Katherine, were accomplished dancers with the Merry Makers Square Dance Club for many years. They also loved to travel, visiting every state except Alaska.
He was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, teaching them to drive, ride their bikes and play card games. He enjoyed staying busy both physically and mentally. If he was not working, he enjoyed reading, collecting coins and watching UK basketball. Bill’s mantra was, “Always do the best you can with what you’ve got”.
Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Payne Raley; brothers, Jesse Joseph Jr., Jerome, Hilary, and Marion Thomas; and a son-in-law, Tom Page.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Katherine Roby Thomas; daughters, Nancy Page, of Hartford, Kentucky, Debbie Zimmerman (Jeff) and Linda Boarman (Carl Joe), both of Philpot; sons, Steve Thomas (Sheila), of Rockport, Kentucky, David Thomas (Trudy), of Utica, Kentucky, Paul Thomas (Cindy), of Philpot, and Ron Thomas (Karen), of Owensboro, Kentucky; 19 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; sisters, Thelma Clark, Rosetta Funsch and Rita Ballard, all of Owensboro; brothers, Eddie Thomas, of Owensboro, Dick Thomas, of Philpot, Ralph Thomas, of Owensboro, and Len Thomas, of Hawesville, Kentucky.
The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 17 at Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3p.m. until 8 p.m. with prayers at 6 p.m., and Thursday after 8:30 a.m. at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Haiti Mission c/o Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church, 609 E. 4th Street, Owensboro, KY 42303.
Memories and condolences for the family of William T. “Bill” Thomas may be shared at www.glenncares.com.