Major Lewis Thomas, US Air Force retired, 88, of Boone, died Friday, June 22, 2012, at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living in Boone.

Major Thomas was born December 17, 1923, in Madison County, North Carolina, a son of the late Ed and Bonnie Shook Thomas. He served with the United States Air Force during World War II, with 23 years of service. After his retirement from the Air Force, Major Thomas employed for over 17 years with the Appalachian State University Physical Plant. He was a member of Laurel Springs Baptist Church, where he served both as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.

Major Thomas is survived by his wife, Dulus R. Thomas of the home; one daughter, Kalyn Hardy and husband, Harold, of Boone; two sons, Michael L. Thomas of Livingston, Montana, and Tim Thomas and wife, Sharon, of Marriottsville, Maryland; one grandson, Lance Corporal Gregory Hardy of Camp Lejune, North Carolina; one granddaughter, Jessica Thomas of Marriottsville, Maryland; and three sisters, Lucy, Corine, and Robin. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

Funeral services for Major Lewis Thomas were conducted Monday afternoon, June 25, 2012, at 2 p.m., at Laurel Springs Baptist Church. The body lay in state, at the church, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Officiating was the Reverend Brent Bolick. Entombment with military honors followed in the Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens Mausoleum.

The family received friends Sunday evening, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the Thomas family at http://www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.