Francis B Thomas

Francis Brian Thomas, “Frank”, 93, passed Tuesday, June 4, 2024. He was born on December 21, 1930, in Washington, D.C., to Carolyn C. Thomas (Coates), and Cyrus Bryan Thomas. The youngest of four children, Frank was preceded in death by his brothers, Stanley and Richard (Dick), and sister, Dorothy. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Diane; children: Teresa McCarthy (Tex), F. Brian Thomas (Georjette), Leslie Lambacher (Jeff), Mark “Duke” Thomas (Krissy); and 5 grandchildren: Erin McCarthy Higgins (Sean), John McCarthy, Megan Lambacher Croft (Kyle), Ellie Lambacher and Andrew Thomas; great grandson, Liam Higgins, and many nieces and nephews. 

Frank went to St. Petersburg HS (FL), class of ’48, and began his college career in Chicago before being drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict. He proudly served as an infantry man and on the General’s staff, rising to the rank of Seargeant First Class before rotating home in October 1954. A proud patriot, he extended his service to country achieving Sargeant Major status in the Army Reserves. Frank renewed his college studies upon his return from overseas, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1957, his masters degree from Kent State University in 1966, and achieved Doctorate of Philosophy honors in 1983 from the University of Akron. 

Frank married his loving wife, Diane (Ruehrwein) on June 6, 1959, and they enjoyed 65 extraordinary years together. Frank enjoyed career success in business and academia. He was employed as a Production Engineer with RCA in 1957 and migrated to Lockheed Marietta, GA in 1959 as Senior Scientific Programmer Analyst. He joined Goodyear Aerospace in 1962 and moved the family to Akron. Frank left the business world in 1970 beginning his second career with the University of Akron, serving as Director of Administrative Systems and then Associate Vice President of Information Technology before retiring after 25 years, in 1995. Frank had a special attachment and passion for supporting and mentoring students from Thailand. He also embarked on several short-term teaching assignments at Thai universities. 

Frank will be remembered as a “good man”; a man of strong faith, a man who always strived to “do the right thing”; an introverted yet strong man who loved and cared for his family, unconditionally; a hard-working man highly respected for his integrity and values; a dedicated committed man, to God, his family and his country. 

Calling hours will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1905 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 10am – 12:00pm, with Funeral Mass at 12pm, followed by burial services at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park, 2613 Sackett Avenue, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.

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