Oran Lee Thomas, age 96 formerly of Troy and more recently of Piqua, Ohio, was taken home to see the Lord on March 9, 2024, at the Upper Valley Medical Center.  He was born on February 25, 1928 in Johnstown, PA to the late Oran E. Thomas and Ada C. (Haddle) Thomas.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years: Billie Ann (Truman) Thomas; daughters: Cynthia & Roger Rode of Galion OH, Deborah & Dennis Dewey of Siloam Springs, AR and Rebecca & Robert Smith of Naples, FL; son: Michael & Gay Thomas of Haines City, FL; thirteen grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and daughter: Jaqueline (Thomas) Rose and grandson: Stephen Rose.

He was a graduate of Hampton High School, Allison Park, PA in 1946; Slippery Rock State Teachers College, Slippery Rock, PA for two years obtained his B.A. at Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC and completed his Master of Science Degree with Miami University, Oxford, OH over two years.

He served as a minister for 60 years pastoring 7 churches, retiring at age 80. He was a teacher with Miami East School District for 31years. He was a member at Union Baptist Church. He enjoyed golfing, Rook, fishing, mushroom hunting, squirrel hunting, horseshoe pitching and many more activities, along with being an avid gardener.

In addition to his professions and hobbies Oran was a carpenter, mason, machinist, welder, mechanic, gardener, Sears clerk and Barclays clothing salesman. He was never afraid to try anything. Whether it was a job that needed done or something that needed eating. He had a fiery temper and he also was soft and tender. He was the hardest worker you would ever know. He also loved his hobbies; he could even turn work into play such as with gardening and hunting. He would hunt deer, fish, pitch horseshoes, golf, hunt mushrooms, play chess but most legendary was his love of the card game Rook. He was known to play untold hours deep into the night on numerous occasions. Had deep convictions on how the game should be played (and would tell you so).  It was a fearful thing to be his partner…that's not a criticism but a testament to his passions for many things.

Oran has touched countless lives in this community and around the nation. Anyone that knew him or met him usually remembered him. He never knew a stranger. His life cannot be summed up in a few paragraphs.  To say he was a powerful personality would be a gross understatement. His later years were trying for him as his health declined and his zeal for life became harder and harder to enjoy.  Although he will be greatly missed and we pity those who will not have the honor to meet him, we are grateful that he no longer is suffering. He was also a devoted disciple of the Lord for all his life. Because his belief in Jesus Christ, we have confident belief that he is in Heaven.

Services will be held at 1:00pm on March 14, 2024, at Union Baptist Church with son-in-law, Rev. Dennis Dewey and Bill Berkheiser officiating. Internment will follow at Fletcher Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Contributions may be made to Union Baptist Church www.ubctroy.com.   Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Union Baptist Church
1833 E. Peterson Road, Troy OH 45373
Web: http://ubctroy.com