LEWISTON — On Nov. 8 Roger was welcomed into Heaven by his loving wife, Margie (Hiroko), and several other family members who were already there waiting for him. Roger quietly passed with his loving sister, Nancy, by his side.
Born on March 23, 1935, to Alfred and Corinna Thomas, he was the eldest of six children. Roger was educated in Belfast, Topsham and Lewiston. In 1952 he joined the Navy. While in the Navy Roger traveled the world. He was a mine sweep, a police officer, crossed the equator, met the Pope, passed through the Panama Canal, visited Vatican City, met many movie stars and even played the part of an Army man in the movie “The Walking Major” starring Frank Sinatra Jr.
On Sept. 17, 1963, Roger married his soul mate, Margie (Hiroko), whom he met while stationed in Sasebo, Japan. They never had any children but were godparents to several and loved everyone’s children. In 1972 he retired from the Navy and took a job as truck driver first for H.E. Sargent then later for Ryder Transport.
When Roger became very ill and entered hospice care he realized the enormity of the love and respect so many people had for him, family that stayed for days, friends that visited often, get well cards and phone calls that never ended. He loved each and everyone that reached out to him. He was especially proud of the beautiful pictures his nieces Zoey, Maizy, Natalie and Julia drew for him and the heartfelt letter his nephew Caleb wrote to him. Roger proudly had them all hanging at hospice.
Roger was a member of the Eagles Club, American Legion and VFW. He loved camping, playing cards and playing slots at the casinos.
Survivors include sisters, Nancy Roy of Durham and Sylvia Mills and husband, Colin, of Alabama; brother, Burt Thomas of Florida; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and a very special nephew, Alan Thomas, whom Roger truly loved as a son.
He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Margie; and brothers Jerry and Robert.
The family would like to thank the staff from Androscoggin Hospice and Marshwood Nursing Home for the wonderful care they gave to Roger.
Online condolences may be sent to www.funeralalternatives.net
Rest peacefully, “Love you more.”
Roger A. Thomas
Roger A. Thomas
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