Rev. Merle Douglas Thomas

Paducah, KY Rev. Merle Thomas, age 95, of Georgetown, KY passed away at Bluegrass Hospice Care Center in Lexington, KY on Monday, July 12, 2021.

He was born to his parents on April 1, 1926 Delbert and Leona Thomas. Brother Merle was a World War II Navy Veteran. He was a member of Concord United Methodist Church. He started his ministry of pastoring in 1950, retired in 1991 and his last sermon was preached in 2010. He pastored several churches in the Memphis Conference of the United Methodist Church; Owenton UMC, East Dyersburg UMC, Aldersgate UMC, Northside UMC, Kevil and New Liberty UMC, Dyer UMC, Nebo UMC, Hickman and West Hickman UMC, Lebanon UMC, St. Luke Aldersgate UMC, Massac UMC, Bandana and Oscar United Methodist Churches and Christ UMC. Merle loved to play the banjo and dulcimer. While he enjoyed playing these instruments, he also built eight banjos and 30 dulcimers.

He is survived by his wife Norma Gene Thomas of 72 years; three sons Mike Thomas (Lynne) of West Paducah,KY, Gary Thomas (Ginger) of Lovelaceville,KY, and Rodney Thomas (Kim) of Burlington, KY; one daughter Sandra Sebastian ( Barry) of Sadieville, KY fifteen Grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren.

Merle was preceded in death by a daughter Deborah Swafford, four sisters, Beulah Smith, Lucille Farmer, Ruth Henderson, and Violet Gill; two brothers Carl Thomas and Emory Thomas and his parents Delbert and Leona Thomas.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 15, 2021 after 11:00 am at Concord United Methodist Church.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Concord United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Smithmier, Rev. Joel Jackson and Rev. Dean Emerson will officiate. Interment will follow at McKendree United Methodist Cemetery with Navy Military Honors.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Concord United Methodist Church 5178 Hinkleville Road Paducah, Kentucky 42001.

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