Edwin D. ?Eddie? Thomas, 71, of Dresden, went home to be with his Lord at 11:50AM Tuesday July 15, 2008, with his wife and children at his side. Mr. Thomas was born Feb. 17, 1937 in Madison Township, a son of the late Chester and Edna (Prince) Thomas. He was a 1958 graduate of Jefferson High School and in 1960 enlisted in the US Army and served at Ft. Riley, KS, where his grandson is currently stationed following service in Afghanistan. Mr. Thomas had worked for Cannon?s Bakery and then worked as a custodian for 24 years at Tri-Valley Schools, first at high school Annex building and many years at the high school. He was a member of the Dresden Grange and the Prospect U. Methodist Church. Surviving are wife, Patricia S. (Knicely) Thomas, whom he married December 29, 1960; children, Brenda K. Black of Dresden, Cindy (Mike) Robinson of Nashport, Mark (Kathy) Thomas of Bergholz, OH, Michael Thomas of Dresden, Valerie (John) Williams of Dresden; 18 grandchildren, Shantelle (Nick) Robinson, Billie Jo Black and Andrew Harvey; Kayla Black and Dustin Weese; Lindsey Noland, Kyle Noland, Michael (Jennie) Robinson,Jr., Amy Robinson, Tami ((Brent) Depuy, Kurtis E. Thomas, Kenneth (Maggie) Thomas, Danae Thomas, Carol Thomas, Michael Thomas, Jr., Trent Bagley, Tylor Bagley, Erika Williams, John Williams, Jr., David Williams, II; 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Lois Yingling of Nashport and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis A. Thomas and his step-mother, Pauline Thomas. Friends may call 2-4 & 6-8PM Friday July 18, 2008 at the Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home in Dresden, where services will be held on Saturday at 11AM with Pastor Sharon Williamson and Mr. Thomas?s son, Pastor Mark Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Prospect Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Prospect U. Methodist Church.