Howard L. Thomas, Jr., age 53, of Toledo, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania. He was born on January 20, 1964 to Howard L. Thomas, Sr. and Patricia "Diana" Murray-Blazey. JR was a graduate of Woodward High School and for many years worked in the steel manufacturing industry. He worked for Alro Steel and most recently Toth Industries. JR had a love for motorcycles and often rode to see friends and family “making memories”. His family will remember him for being a hard worker, having a positive influence on those around him, enjoying a cold Bud Light, helping others when in need and his infectious smile that could light up a room! Above everything, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, was the most precious to him and always ended every conversation with an, "I Love You."

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Rita Thomas; mother, Diana (Jim) Murray-Blazey; children, Nancy McFarland and Caleb Rainey; step-daughter, Beth Weppler; grandchildren, Nancy, Evan, Cameron, Susy and Carsyn; siblings, Duane Thomas, Vicky (Michael) Cassis, Brian Thomas and Marylou (Timothy) Despoth; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard L. Thomas, Sr. and infant son, Christopher Lee.

The family will receive guests on Monday, August 14, 2017 from 2-8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300) with a Sharing of Memories at 7:00 p.m. that evening. His Funeral Service will begin in the funeral home on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Toledo Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to ProMedica Hospice.

God saw your pain and suffering
He knew that you could bear no more
So He reached His hand down to this earth
And took you to Heaven’s door.

Though it breaks our heart
That you had to leave
God has a special plan for you
That’s what we must believe.

To share a memory of JR or to leave a special message for his family, please click the "Share Memories" tab above.