Obituary of Edgar Francis Thomas

" Edgar F. “Tommy” Thomas, 95, of Park St, died Friday in Bay State Medical Center in Springfield. Mr. Thomas was born in Framingham, July 28, 1906 and lived in Palmer all of his life. He was the son of the late Charles B. and Stella (Harding) Thomas. In June 2000, he received the Boston Post’s Golden Cane as Palmer’s Oldest Male. He was a graduate of Pratt Institue in Brooklyn, NY and retired from the former Colorado fuel & Iron Crop in Palmer as design engineer. He worked for 35 years, before retiring in 1969. Mr. Thomas was a member of the Second Baptist Church for more than 50 years and served as a deacon, moderator, Sunday School Teacher and trustee. He was also a member of the Thomas Lodge of Masons AF & AM in Palmer for 72 years. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Iva Wagner. He also leaves a son Richard F. Thomas of Hudson, MA and a daughter Fay T. Halsall of Palmer. Mr. Thomas' sister, Barbara Holbrook, lives in Brimfield. He also leaves 2 grandchildren. Funeral services will be Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, followed by burial in Oak Knoll Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday evening only from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Second Baptist Church, Thorndike St, Palmer, MA 01069. "