Alfred E. Thomas

A funeral service celebrating the life of Alfred E. Thomas, 60, of Granville will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 27, 2012 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 102 E. Broadway, Granville with Rev. Stephen J. Cramer officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Granville.

Al passed away Thursday, August 23, 2012 at his home. He was born February 5, 1952, in Newark, to the late Willie and Gladys (Coleman) Thomas, Jr.

A 1970 graduate of Newark High School, Al proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He returned to Newark and was employed as a casting operator at Kaiser Aluminum where he served as Chief Union Steward. A 7th Degree Master, Al's passion for karate led him to open the Shorin-Ryu Karate Club in Newark, which he operated for 30 plus years. He will be fondly remembered as a strong and kind-hearted person, who was a dear friend and extended family member to many.

Surviving are daughters; Tanisha Thomas of Columbus , and Joanna Harris (Jeff) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Justin and Jayden Harris both of Charlotte, NC, and Jamel Thomas of Columbus; step-father, Otis Pettis of Massillon; sister, Sally Smith of Cincinnati; nephew, Monte Smith of Newark; cousins, Corless Coleman Roper, and Marcia Coleman; many additional family members; and special friends, Joni Francis of Newark, and Marie Shuttleworth of Granville.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Lisa Thomas, who passed away May 30, 2009.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 4 to 7 P.M. at MCPEEK-HOEKSTRA FUNERAL HOME, 133 S. Prospect St., Granville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Master Al Thomas Scholarship Fund, payable to Park National Bank, c/o McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home, P.O. Box 185, Granville, OH 43023, or Hospice of Central Ohio, P.O. Box 430, Newark, Ohio 43058.