John R. Thomas, 83, of Ages, passed away Monday, January 14, 2008, at his home. A retired coal miner, he was a 60 year member of the UMWA. He was a member of the Ages Baptist Church where he had taught Sunday School for 30 years.

John was preceded in death by his former wife and the mother of his children, Martha Jane Jones; his parents, Nathan Thomas and Lydia King Thomas; a son, Donnie Thomas; a brother, Paris Thomas; and four sisters: Octavia Hensley, Dora Stewart, Polly Rapier and Cindy Middleton.

Survivors include seven children: Johnny Thomas, Ages; Starr Shridharani and husband, Suresh, Irving, TX; Reba Wheeler and husband, Jim, Easley, SC; Sheri Beavers and husband, Mike, Phoenix, AZ; Terri Lewis and husband, David, Ages; Pernie Kirk and husband, Terry, Baxter; and Clay Thomas and wife, Diana, Pasadena, MD. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, Meera Shridharani, Sean Wheeler, Tasha Senters, Stacey Beavers, David Lewis II, Harvey Lewis, Martha Thomas, Don Wesley Thomas, Jeanna Thomas and John Thomas; six great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Evarts Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Evarts Funeral Home with the Rev. James Burkhart officiating.

Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Gardens. Grandsons and other family will serve as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.