It is with great sadness that the family of Paul Richard Thomas announces his passing Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, at the age of 82 years.
Paul and his wife, Barbara, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
In addition to his wife, he will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Julie Thomas Payne (Michael); two grandchildren whom he adored, Carolyn and Sam Payne; his daughter-in-law, Carolyn Alto; his brothers Gary, Mike, Terry and Keith; and his sisters Patricia Williams and Betty Hamer.
Paul was preceded in death by his son, Jeff.
Paul grew up in New Boston, Ohio and attended Eastern Kentucky University where he played football. He was a member of the 1954 Eastern team which went undefeated, won the All-Ohio Valley Conference and played in the Tangerine Bowl on New Years' Day 1955.
After graduating, Paul worked as a high school teacher and coach before joining Ashland Oil, Inc. in 1965, where he enjoyed a 30 year career.
His love for sports never waned. Throughout his adult life he coached various little league football teams in Ashland, umpired baseball and refereed football around Kentucky and throughout the Tri-State area.
Paul was a member of Ashland Breakfast Kiwanis Club where he served as Treasurer for many years. He was also a long-standing member of First United Methodist Church where he and Barbara were married in 1957.
A Celebration of Paul's life will be at noon Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, 1811 Carter Avenue in Ashland. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, at Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland.
Those who so desire may make memorial donations in Paul's memory to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1670, Ashland, KY 41105-1670.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
