Obituary of Willard Browning Thomas

-CUYAHOGA FALLS Willard 'Bud' Thomas, 75, died, surrounded by his family, on July 7, 2016. Born in Wadsworth, OH on August 26, 1940 to the late Charles and Exa Thomas, Bud was a 1958 graduate of Wadsworth High School, eventually earning a Bachelors in Education from Kent State University, where he was a member of the Collegiates Fraternity, and a Masters in History from the University of Akron. Bud served his country as a member of the US Army. He taught social studies for over 31 years at Norton High School, where he also served as the Tennis Coach and the prom coordinator. Bud was a member of the First Christian Church of Cuyahoga Falls. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his brother Charles Lowell Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Janet; his children Amy (Jerry) Thomas-Ping, Mark (Brenda) Thomas, and Rev. Lee (Kim) Thomas; grandchildren Allison, Taylor, Emily, Jamie, and Matthew; sister Ann 'Minnie' Ball. The family will receive friends on Sunday, 2-5 pm, at the Anthony Funeral Home MCGOWAN-REID & SANTOS CHAPEL 247 Stow Ave. (at 3rd. St., one block north of Portage Trail in) Cuyahoga Falls. A funeral service will take place on Monday, 11 am, at the First Christian Church of Cuyahoga Falls, 2253 Third St., where the family will again receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wadsworth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association 3505 Embassy Parkway Suite 10 Akron, OH 44333. (Anthony Funeral Homes, CUYAHOGA FALLS, 330.928.1313, anthonyfh.com)