Herbert Winfield Thomas Sr., 72, of Deale

»Information from the Hardesty Funeral Home website.

Herbert Winfield Thomas Sr., 72, a resident of Deale for 30 years, died July 30 after a brief battle with sepsis at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

He was born in Lothian on October 9, 1942 to the late Samuel and Elsie Thomas. He graduated from Southern High School in 1961 and then completed an apprenticeship program to become a sprinkler fitter in Local 669. After retirement he became an accomplished house painter and worked until his four-day illness began.

Herb was well known for his great jokes and memorable “Herbisms.” He loved the Orioles, Ravens and coaching his sons’ teams over the years. He also enjoyed spending an hour every morning with his many friends at the Deale 7-Eleven drinking coffee and solving the problems of the world.

Herb leaves his wife of 42 years, Suzanne Thomas; sons Michael and Chris (Margaret) of Deale, and Matt (Heather) of Shady Side; six grandkids, Chad 17, Christopher 11, Emma 8, Anthony 8, Addison 7, and Owen 2; and a brother, Edgar Thomas of Dunkirk.

He was predeceased by sister Alice Greenwell and brothers Andrew and James Thomas.

A memorial gathering will be held Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 1-3 p.m. at Hardesty Funeral Home, 905 Galesville Road in Galesville, after which a Celebration of Herb’s Life will be held from 5-9 p.m. at the Deale Elks Lodge, 6022 Drum Point Road in Deale.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Herb Thomas to the Deale Elks Lodge.