Howard Dale Thomas

Howard Dale Thomas, 89, Wapakoneta, passed away the morning of Thursday, May 16, 2024, at The Gardens of Wapakoneta. Dale was born Aug. 7, 1934, in St. Marys to Howard and Ruth (Boroff) Thomas. On March 21, 1954, Dale married Mary Ann (Myers) of Wapakoneta, who survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Denise (James) Kantner of Wapakoneta, his son-in-law, Ron Adams of Celina; his five grandchildren, Chad (Connie) Kantner of Wapakoneta, Angela (Joe) Kraft of Paris, Ohio, Douglas (Kelli) Adams of Celina, Alaina (Mike) Vecchio of Chicago, Ill., and Eric (Annalyn) Adams of Connorsville, Ind.; his eleven great-grandchildren, Josh (Taylor) Hartman, Jacob (Nicole) Hartman, Haley Kantner, and Abby Kantner, all of Wapakoneta, Briar Kraft and Quinton Kraft of Paris, Ohio, and Emma Adams, Ruby Adams, Jaedyn Waterman, Linkin Waterman, and Brooklyn Waterman, all of Celina; as well as his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Darlene Adams, and his seven siblings, Glen Thomas, Carl Thomas, John Thomas, Ross Thomas, Edith Harner, Doyt Thomas, and Ruth May Hubbard. Dale graduated in 1952 from Blume High School, and worked for Cen-Pe-Co as a salesman and trusted ambassador at tractor and farm shows across the midwest. Prior to Cen-Pe-Co, he worked at Clark Equipment as a welder and the Artwood Handle Factory. A lifelong football fan, he took great pride in his 40-year career as a referee for both high school and college football as well as high school basketball. Throughout his career and work-related travels, Dale built lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Dale enjoyed serving his community as a long time elected-councilman and member of the Wapakoneta City Council, and as a volunteer at St. Rita’s Medical Center with the Mended Hearts program. Dale loved traveling and dancing with his wife, Mary Ann, and looked forward to camping with his wife, daughters, and friends each weekend throughout the summer. Dale was a devoted grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was frequently telling jokes and always finding ways to make those he loved most laugh. An avid Wapakoneta sports fan, Dale could be found at Harmon Field every Friday night (after he retired his referee stripes) during football season. Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024, at First English Lutheran Church, Wapakoneta, with Pastor Doug Pretorius officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Arrangements are being handled by the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, Wapakoneta. In lieu of flowers, and in remembrance of Dale, his family asks that any charitable donations be made to Wapakoneta High School Athletic Association or St. Rita’s Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Howard Dale Thomas

August 7, 1934 - May 16, 2024