Fred Thomas

Fred A. Thomas, 77, of Carlisle, passed away early Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Carlisle Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Beavertown, PA, to the late Carl and Sara Thomas.

He grew up on a dairy farm in Snyder County and graduated from West Snyder High School, Beaver Springs, in 1958. He received his BS in Animal Husbandry in 1962 from Penn State University, and continued at Penn State, earning an MS in Animal Science in 1967.

He worked at the Penn State Extension Service in Fulton County from 1962 until 1971, and in Crawford County from 1988 until 1990. He also served as an account supervisor, regional manager, and training director at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau from 1971 until 1979. In 1979, he became the director of the Bureau of Weights and Measures with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture until 1987. For the past 28 years, he was self-employed as an accountant and tax preparer, specializing in farms and small businesses.

Fred belonged to the Lion’s Club, Jaycees, DTS fraternity, and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He coached recreational soccer in South Middleton Township. He attended Otterbein United Methodist Church for 44 years, where he served as treasurer.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha; son, Gregory (wife Jan) of Bellefonte; daughter, Carol Nickle (husband John) of Carlisle; brother Lynn Thomas (wife Linda) of Beavertown; sister Rita Solie (husband John) of Lebanon; and grandchildren, Megan and Brady Thomas, and Audrey, Kimberly, and Patrick Nickle.

Fred loved spending time with friends and family, and was always willing to lend a hand. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, who will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held Saturday August 4, 2018 at 11:00 AM (with visitation at 10:00 AM) at Otterbein United Methodist Church, 647 Forge Road, Carlisle, PA 17015. In leiu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association of Central Pennsylvania, 1019 Mumma Road, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.