Obituary of Allen Thomas

Allen LeRoy Age 68, of Erin, NY, went to be with our Lord and Savior on December 13, 2005 at home surrounded by his loving family. He bore his cross with grace, honor, and dignity during a five-month challenge with severe pain and disability due to a rapidly growing bone cancer. Allen was the second child and only son born to Myra Bennett and Harold Thomas on January 9, 1937. Allen was the grandson of William and Emma Thomas and Jacob and Myra Bennett. Allen graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1954. During his high school years, he was a member of the wrestling team coached by Marty Harrigan. He then served in the US Air Force for four years. He was recalled to service as a reservist, serving in Germany in 1961. He served as a communications specialist in the Air Force, as well as being educated as an engineer. He was employed as an engineer in many foreign countries, as well as many states in the USA. Allen enjoyed hunting, golfing, was a fan of the Giants football team, and the Yankees baseball team. One of his special loves was his Bassett hound, Claire Belle, whom he treated like a baby. Claire Belle misses Allen and is confused by his absence from the home. Allen is survived by his childhood sweetheart, friend, and companion, Kathleen (Kitty) Harvey of Erin; her children and grandchildren; and her mother, Ruth Howard. Also surviving is Allen's mother, Myra Thomas of North Chemung; his son, Robert Coffman of Honeoye, NY; grandsons that he was so proud of, Shawn and Ryan Coffman of Honeoye; sisters, Myra (Beth) Morris of North Chemung, RoyAnn Rogerson of Niskayuna; four nieces; ten great-nieces; one great-nephew; aunt, Elsie Thomas of Chemung; several cousins, friends, and neighbors. Allen was predeceased by his wife, JoAnn; father, Harold Thomas; nephew, Craig Elston; and great-nephew, Joshua Moore. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira on Monday, December 19, 2005, from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m., with funeral service immediately following at 8 p.m. Pastor Anne Mowery will celebrate the services. Burial will be in the Rural Home Cemetery, Big Flats at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may leave a "Candle of Remembrance" for the family at www.olthof.com. Allen's family wish to thank Dr. Roberta Johnson; Dr. Krueger at the Falck Cancer Center; and Amy Chrabaszcz, social worker at the Falck Cancer Center; for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to Allen and Kathleen and their family during his illness. Also a thank you to relatives, friends, neighbors, and the Olthof Funeral Home staff for the concern and support given the family. A special thank you for "growing up sidekick in mischief," Virginia Connelly of Horseheads. "CATCH YOU LATER, AL."