Gregory Dean Thomas
Gregory Dean Thomas, 57, of Shelby died peacefully early Wednesday morning, Dec. 9, 2009, ending his six-month struggle with an aggressive brain cancer known as Glioblastoma Multiforme. His daughter, Jennifer Guisinger, and his girlfriend, Bobbie Baith, were at his side.
Greg, a long-time Shelby resident and 14-year employee at Pepsi in Mansfield, had recently started his own business – Alliance Lawn Care – last spring before his brain cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery and radiation treatments left him physically incapacitated. Greg was cared for in his home by Jennifer and Bobbie, both from Shelby; daughter Kimberly Langston of Grand Junction, Colo.; and his father, Robert, and stepmother Mary Jane Thomas of Uniontown, Ohio. They were supported by in-home care from MedCentral Hospice before being transferred to the Hospice of North Central Ohio’s Hospice House in Ashland to receive around-the-clock medical supervision during his final days.
A former competitor in country two-step dance, Greg enjoyed country music and old-style movies and westerns. He spent his days outdoors as often as possible, thriving on physical work like landscaping and maintenance duties. Greg was most often seen sporting a dark tan that highlighted his bright blue eyes and enjoying his favorite Marlboro® cigarettes.
Greg was born in Indianapolis, Ind., on Sept. 13, 1952, to Robert and Eva (Reese) Thomas as the second of seven children. He grew up in Detroit, Mich., before he and his former wife Lorraine and their two children moved to Shelby in 1982 to manage Crose Plastics. Greg is survived by his daughter Kimberly and her husband Monty Langston; daughter Jennifer, her husband John Guisinger III and their three children, Johnny, Katie and Haley; a daughter in Indiana, Bobbie Ricker, and her husband Chris and three children, Audrey, Lany and Ellie; and a former stepdaughter, Misty Tesso, and her daughter, Caley, in Crestline. Greg is also survived by his father, Robert, and brothers: Robert “Jeff” Thomas and his wife, Gail, of Jacksonville, Fla.; William “Brian” Thomas and wife, Loralee, in Anderson, Ind.; and Ronald “Scott” Thomas of Newton Falls, Ohio. He is also survived by his sisters: Valerie Statheros and her husband, Van, in Wellsberg, W.Va.; Laurie Kaufman and her husband, John, in Jacksonville, Fla.; and Elaine “Renee” Ireland in San Diego, Calif. Greg was preceded in death by his mother Eva Lahser and an infant son, Mark.
Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby will host calling hours from Noon-2 PM on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009 closing with a brief remembrance ceremony at 2pm with Rev. Lester Champer, officiating.. The family requests that donations be made to Catholic Charities or either local hospice organization in lieu of flowers. On-line condolences may be made to penwellturner.com
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Family: Greg Thomas
Name: Bev Amert-Howell
Date: 09-12-10
Condolence:
Jennifer and family,
You have our deepest sympathy. It is hard to loose someone. Just remember the good times. He is another angel looking down upon us.
Bev And Katy
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Family: gregory thomas
Name: LINDA STENTZ
Date: 09-12-10
Condolence:
JENNY N FAMILY,
I’M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF YOUR DAD . MAY GOD BE WITH YOU DURING THIS VERY DIFFICUILT TIME , MAY HE WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND YOU N YOUR FAMILY. CHERISH THE MEMORIES.
LINDA STENTZ
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Family: Greg Thomas
Name: Judy and Kevin Foster
Date: 09-12-10
Condolence:
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
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Family: Greg Thomas
Name: The Connelly Family
Date: 09-12-10
Condolence:
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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Family: Greg Thomas
Name: Kim Foster
Date: 09-12-11
Time: 07:32:15 -0500
Condolence:
To the family I wish to offer my sympathy at this time. Greg was my boss at one time at Crose Plastics and his great sense of humor was something we all loved. He will be sadly missed by everyone!!!!
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Family: jen
Name: chris m
Date: 09-12-11
Time: 14:51:09 -0500
Condolence:
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers are with you and your family. I know how you feel, and not many words can ease that pain, but lean on the support of the people around you that really does help. If there is anything i can do, i will be there. love ya
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Family: Greg Thomas
Name: Anita Barker
Date: 09-12-11
Time: 21:39:01 -0500
Condolence:
It’s been a while since I last saw my cousin Greg. He was at his mother’s memorial service in San Antonio. He was very kind to my children and I enjoyed meeting the man he had grown into. My heart goes out to his family as I know this is a difficult time. He was a good man and will be missed.
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Family: Gregory Dean Thomas
Name: Chris Keisic
Date: 09-12-12
Condolence:
To all family members of Greg,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Although the pain and hurt may be deep right now, the memories of the good that is in each person are the ones that sustain us at such times. Greg loved each and every one of you in his own special way, and you know that he made each and every one of you laugh, cry and enjoy life in some special way that wouldn’t have been the same without him.
God Bless each and every one of you and may He give you strength for each other at this time.
Love,
Chris Keisic
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Family: Kimberly & Jenny
Name: Audrey
Date: 09-12-12
Condolence:
Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you begin to cope with the loss of your father’s earthly presence. I believe he is at peace and knows that you loved him very much. Love you guys!
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Family: Greg Thomas
Name: Celeste
Date: 09-12-13
Time: 02:06:59 -0500
Condolence:
I only met cousin greg a few times when i was very little but he was always smiling our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time of sorrow
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Family: Greg Thomas
Name: Rev. James Robinson
Date: 09-12-13
Condolence:
I will miss Greg very much, He was a great friend and neighbor.I will always remember him polishing up his black volvo car in the summer time. My deepest sympathy to your family on your lost. Greg was a great man
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Family: Greg Thomas
Name: Community Anesthesia Consultants
Date: 09-12-13
Condolence:
To Kimberly, Monte, and Family-
Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of your father. We want to express our sympathy and want you to know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
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Family: Greg Thomas
Name: Sue
Date: 09-12-21
Condolence:
Jen, So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. My heart felt sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find peace in knowing that he is no longer in pain and suffering. I know your pain as I have been in your shoes over the years. There are no words that can express or help you thru this only TIME will heal so you can go on. He is always with you in mind and heart. Remember the good times. With Sympathy, a fellow co-worker
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Family: Jenny
Name: Megan Finnegan
Date: 09-12-21
Condolence:
Jenny
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.