John M. Thomas, 73, of Van Wert, passed away at 11:37 a.m., Tuesday at Lima Memorial Hospital. He was born on September 30, 1943, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the son of the late Ralph R. and Ora Jane (Woods) Thomas. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Louis Thomas. On November 22, 1967, he married the former Irene "Susie" Tarlton who survives in Van Wert. Other family members include nieces and nephews, Micheal Thomas of Van Wert, Kevin (Debbie) Tarlton of Scott, Joe (Renee) Tarlton and family of Scott, Kendra (Dave) Wessell and family of Ohio City; and other grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews. John was a 1961 graduate of Van Wert High School. He had worked at North American Philips, Harter Corporation for 25 years and retired from Federal Mogul in Van Wert after 12 years of service. He enjoyed many trips to Mackinaw area in Michigan, visiting lighthouses and viewing the sunsets at Ludington. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, August 25, 2017, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home. There will be calling hours two hours ahead of the service time. Preferred memorials are to the CHP Inpatient Hospice Center.