Barron Edward Thomas

\ Barron B.E Edward Thomas, 89, of Madisonville, KY passed away Friday, July 6, 2012 at NHC Heath Care in Madisonville. \ \ He was born July 28, 1922 in Muhlenberg County, KY to the late Homer Cecil Thomas and Leota Eilene Stanley Thomas. He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Jasper, Benjamin, Jewell, Robert, and Major Thomas. \ \ Mr. Thomas was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Madisonville and formerly of Liberty Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was a Private First Class in the United States Army and a veteran of World War II during which he served overseas in the European Theatre. He retired from the coal industry after more than 37 years. \ \ He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Macil Dexter Thomas; two sons, Robert Wayne (Linda) Thomas of Hanson, KY and James Edward (Earline) Thomas of Madisonville, one granddaughter, Stephanie (Chris) Taylor of Madisonville; three grandsons, Bryan Thomas of Lexington, James Thomas, Jr. and Ross Thomas of Madisonville; two great-grandsons, Andrew Bennett and Chris Tucker, both of Madisonville. He is also survived by one brother, Raymond Thomas, and two sisters, Louise (Roy) Norvell and Barbara (Demis) Hawkins; and numerous nieces and nephews. \ \ Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, July 9, 2012 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home with Rev. J.D. Holt officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Madisonville. \ \ Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. on Sunday and after 9:00 A.M. until the service at the funeral home. \ \ Pallbearers will be Bryan Thomas, James Thomas Jr., Ross Thomas, Chris Taylor, Drew Bennett, and Charles Norvell. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home or made online at www.lung.org/donate in honor of Barron E. Thomas. \ \