William R. Thomas, 86, formerly of Lima, died at 5:30 a.m., Wednesday at Hearth & Home of Van Wert. He was born on September 18, 1929, in Grover Hill, Ohio, the son of the late William McKinley and Leona Pearl (McClure) Thomas. In 1960, he married the former Ruth Ley who also preceded him in death on August 17, 2002. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Rheba Miller and Betty Koenig. Family survivors include a step-daughter, Karen Gerret; two sisters, Olive Scherer and Donna Adams, both of Grover Hill; several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. Bill was a millwright at British Petroleum in Lima and was a 60 year member of the Ohio Carpenter's Union Local 1090. He enjoyed going to gun shows and hunting in his former years. Services will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, November 29, 2015, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Eileen Kochensparger officiating. Calling hours are Sunday 1 - 4 p.m., prior to the funeral. Interment will take place Monday morning at Middle Creek Cemetery near Grover Hill. Preferred memorials are to the Grover Hill Welcome Park Association or the Grover Hill EMS.