Obituary of Allen Thomas

Allen King Thomas, 97, of Daleville, died on Sunday, April 15, 2007.He was born August 11, 1909, near Abingdon in Washington County, Virginia. Mr. Thomas was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Kathleen B. Thomas; three brothers, George, Frank and J. "Mac"; and a sister, Elizabeth. A graduate of King College, Bristol, Tenn., he began his teaching career in 1933 at Bethel High School in Washington County, where he remained until 1937. From 1937 to 1941, he was a teacher and assistant principal at Burke's Garden High School in Tazewell County. During 1941-1942, he served as instructor of Vo-Ag at Elk Garden in Grayson County. His service in the U.S. Army was from 1942-1946, during World War II, having served with the 37th F.A. Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service, and the EAME Theatre Ribbon with five Bronze Service Stars for battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. After his service to his country, he joined the Roanoke County School System as a Vocational/Agriculture teacher at William Byrd High School, and served there until he went to Check High School as principal in 1956. In 1959, he was appointed High School Supervisor of Botetourt County Schools. From 1960 until his retirement in 1975, he was Director of Instruction in the Botetourt School System.Surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law, Allen K. Thomas Jr. and Elva Thomas of Greenville, S.C., Joseph B. Thomas and Lynn Thomas of Plano, Texas, and William A. Thomas and Patty Thomas of Fincastle, Va.; grandson and wife, David Allen Thomas and Karla Thomas of Simpsonville, S.C.; and a brother, David O. Thomas of Abingdon, Va.Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at Oakey's North Chapel. Dr. Ken Scoggins will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Burial Park, with military honors by the U.S. Army. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, at Oakey's North Chapel, Roanoke, Va.