William K. Thomas

William K. “Bill” Thomas died on Saturday, May 19 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.  He was born on June 30, 1927 in Carrolltown a son of the late Kenneth and Hazel (Makin) Thomas.  On February 2, 1952 in Bedford he married Marianne Gilchrist.  Along with his wife of 60 years he is survived by a son, Mark Thomas married to the former Susan Clemson, two grandchildren; Chase Webb and Maura Thomas, one sister,  Joan Baker  of Bedford and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Suzanne, one brother, Charles and one sister, Jan Hughes.

Bill graduated from Bedford High School in 1945 and immediately joined the family business, Thomas Chevrolet.  During his role as owner, the dealership grew and moved from its former location on Pitt Street to its current location on Rt. 220 North.  Bill received numerous awards from General Motors for sales and service and was a member of their Dealer Council.  Bill was a devout Catholic, a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Bedford and the first chairman of the parish's finance council.  Throughout his life he was active in civic and charitable activities.  Bill served many years on Bedford Borough Council, several as president.  He was a member of the Bedford Elks and a former member of the Bedford Sportsmen's Club and the Bedford Lions Club.  Most recently he and his wife Marianne donated the land for the Bedford Food Outreach, Inc. warehouse and distribution center.  Bill will be remembered for his gregarious humor and his generous spirit.  Bill loved an entertaining story and enjoyed sharing them with many people.  Bill played a good round of golf and loved being in the outdoors.  Deer hunting in the fall followed by his annual trip to Siesta Key were highlights of his year.  His skill at turkey hunting and trout fishing made him the perfect hunting and fishing buddy for his contemporaries and for many young people in the Bedford area.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Bedford with Father Donald Dusza Celebrant.  Burial at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery.   At Bill's request no visitation is planned.  Arrangements by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford. Those wishing to do so are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the charity of their choice.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.