Howard Lee Thomas

Howard Lee Thomas, a resident of Pasadena, passed from this life into the arms of
his heavenly father on May 29, 2024, just 7 days short of his 80th birthday. He was
under the care of Lorien Nursing Center in Columbia, MD. Howard was born on
Monday, June 5, 1944, in Baltimore, MD, to George C. Thomas and Mildred Agnes
(Howard) Thomas. He graduated from Brooklyn Park High School in 1963. After high-
school he attended machinist school, working at Black &  Decker Corporation in
Baltimore, and then at Westinghouse Corporation in Linthicum, MD. He joined the army
in 1966 and took basic training in Fort Jackson, SC. He trained as a helicopter
mechanic in Fort Campbell, KY and became a Senior Helicopter Mechanic at Fort
Eustace, VA. He was also decorated with a National Defense Service Medal and a
Sharpshooter Badge (M-14). In 1972 Howard joined the Baltimore County Fire
Department. He worked as a fireman for over 30 years, also holding many part-time
jobs to support his family, including 20 years at John Ritter Trucking in Laurel, MD. He
was a member of Oakwood Wesleyan Church. Howard loved music, especially southern
gospel and bluegrass. He also loved metal working/blacksmithing and was an avid
fisherman. He was quick to express his passion for God, his family and his country.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, George C. and Mildred Agnes
(Howard) Thomas and brother-in-law, David Sheets.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Juanita M. (Meeker) Thomas of Pasadena; his
children, Robert Dale Thomas of Pasadena, Melissa Lynn Clendaniel (Ken) of Preston,
Michele Lea Parker of Pasadena and Ronald Duane Thomas (Brandi) of Columbia, SC;
his sisters, Beverly Middleton (Gary) of Cambridge and Beatrice Sheets of Denton, TX;
and his 9 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends may visit at the KIRKLEY RUDDICK FUNERAL HOME on
Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 3-5pm & 7-9pm and on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Grace
Point Community Church, 11am - 12pm. Funeral service to follow immediately, 12pm.
Internment Glen Haven Memorial Park.