Obituary of Marshall Thomas

Marshall John Thomas was born November 7, 1935 in Falls River, Massachusetts and raised in Brooklyn, NY by devoted and generous parents, Dudley MacThomas and Beryl Louise Lynch. He proudly served in the Air Force for over 20 years, after which he received an honorable discharge as well as numerous awards and citations for his dedication, commitment and service to the military. During his tours of duty, Marshall was a firefighter and during his last years of service he became a Civil Defense Instructor. After Tech Staff Sgt. Thomas retired from active duty and became a fire fighter at Castle Point Military Hospital in Wappingers Falls, NY. He was a graduate of Dutchess Community College with an Associate's Degree and he also attended SUNY New Paltz. Among his talents and hobbies, he carved drift wood and made fine pieces of art. He built his home and was an avid card player. He was a jazz connoisseur and he enjoyed tapping his feet. Marshall had a true gift of camaraderie and was well respected among his peers. He is survived by his beautiful, dedicated wife, Shirley Ann Thomas and their seven children: Carolyn Sabrina Thomas Roberts, Husband Richard: Timothy Taz Thomas and partner Sherry Siebert. Kim Davila and ex-husband Mario Davila; Shirell Thomas and former partner Betsy Alvarado; Teresa Thomas and ex-husband George Vinson; John Thomas, and Leslie Ransom Thomas and partner Arnetta Harris. Marshall was predeceased by his brother, Ewart A. Thomas, sisters Desti L. Jackson and Ianthe I. Thomas. Surviving siblings are Harvey Everhardt, wife Gwen; Kathleen Duncan; Cheryl M. Chapman, husband Kenneth Y.; Valerie V. T. Lawrence, late Clozell; Lally M. Salz, husband Jon; and Vannece C. Carter. His grandchildren are: India, Sophia, Angel, Cory, Solomon, Marshall and Amber. There are five greatgrandchildren: Chyna, Donte, Iysis, Aiyanna and Zaymor, and a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Our Father, Brother, Uncle and Friend will be missed by all!! Services will be held at Trinity Temple, 14 S. Bridge Street, Poughkeepsie NY. Viewing will be Thursday May 13, 2010 from 10:00 to 11:00am, with services starting at 11:00am. Burial services will follow at Union Cemetery, Rt. 9G, Hyde Park, NY. A reception will be held at Trinity Temple Church following the burial service. Arrangements are under the direction of Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.