Mr. Ernest V. Thomas, ge 79 of Newaygo, died Saturday, December 6, 2003 in Grand Rapids. He was born Ernest Vernon Thomas in Peacock, MI the son of Leona Esther (Hefler) and Vernon Charles Thomas on June 7, 1924. He married Margaret June Shutts on October 1, 1949 in Newaygo, Michigan. He was a Experimental Builder for Harlo Products, Grandville, MI until 1987. He was a member of Luther Bible Chapel-Newaygo. He was a veteran having served in the Army during World War II from May 3, 1944 to June 12, 1946 when he was discharged as a Tec 4.

He is survived by his wife Margaret Thomas of Newaygo, his children Charles & Sue Thomas of Kent City, Robin Thomas of Wyoming, Melody & Jeff Martin of Scott Air Force Base, IL, Margo & Scott Raymond of Comstock Park, 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by grandson Trevor Martin in 1986, sister Lillian Curtiss in 1975, sister-in-law Marie Johnson in 2001, and brother-in-law Norman Wright in 1994.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A. M. from the McKinley Newaygo Chapel, on Tuesday, December 9, 2003 with Rev. Ray Stegenga officiating. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Newaygo. Visitation will be held 3-5 & 7-9 P. M. Monday. For Memorials please consider the Luther Bible Chapel Building Fund.

McKinley Funeral Home, Newaygo 231-652-5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com