William E. Thomas

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William E. Thomas, age 92, of Church Avenue, Warwick, died on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol. He was the husband of the late Patricia A. (Desaulniers) Thomas.

Born in Providence, a son of the late James F. and Florence G. (Stokes) Thomas, he lived in Warwick for most of his life. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II. Mr. Thomas was employed as a sprinkler fitter for Grinnell Fire Protection Co. for over 65 years. He was a member of the United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local # 669. In retirement, he was a school crossing guard for the City of Warwick. A 1967 graduate of the training school for the RI State Police Auxiliary, he was an associate member of RI State Police Lodge # 25, Fraternal Order of Police. He had been a member of Warwick Lodge of Elks # 2196.

He is survived by two sons: William V. Thomas, of Long Beach, CA and Brian E. Thomas, of Warwick; a daughter, Joanne P. Thomas, of Swansea, MA; two grandchildren: Brianna Thomas and Seth Thomas; and a nephew, William J. Thomas of Florida. He was the brother of the late James Thomas.

A committal service, with military honors, will be held on Wednesday, November 2, at 10:30 a.m. in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter. Relatives and friends are invited, and should gather just inside the cemetery entrance at 10:15 a.m. Visiting hours are omitted.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the FRAXA Research Foundation, 10 Prince Place, # 203, Newburyport, MA 01950. www.barrettandcotter.com