John Leroy Thomas

John Leroy Thomas, 72 yrs, of Perryville, MD, died Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.  Born May 22, 1938, in Elkton, MD, he was a son of the late John C. and Rebecca Simpers Thomas. Leroy retired from the V.A. Maryland Health Care System, Perry Point, MD, following 28 years of service as Chief of Food Production.  He was a 20 year veteran of the United States Army and a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Parachute Badge, Good Conduct Medal (1st - 4th Awards), Vietnam Parachutist Badge, Germany Army Marksmanship Award in Bronze, Sharpshooter/Sub Machine Gun, Sharpshooter/Rifle, Expert Badge/Carbine, Expert Badge/Rifle and Letter of Appreciation. Leroy was a member of the Havre de Grace VFW Post No. 8126, Havre de Grace, MD,  Susquehanna American Legion Post No. 135, Perryville, MD, Past Commander of the Susquehanna American Legion Post No. 135, Perryville, MD, Screaming Eagles Association, Combat Infantry Men Association, 101st Air Born and a Life Member of the Perryville Fire Company, Perryville, MD. Leroy is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Rhonda Burlin Thomas, Perryville, MD; sons, John R. Thomas, Anthony Michael Thomas, Steven C. Thomas, Sr., of all Perryville, MD; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother, Charles W. Thomas, Sr., Elkton, MD; and sister, Nancy Thomas Barr, Perryville, MD. In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by his brothers, Claude G. Thomas and Wilton “Butch” Thomas; and sister, Peggy Joann Thomas. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Association in care of Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD, 21903-0766. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, February 14, 2011, 11 AM, at the Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., Perryville, MD.  Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, February 14, 2011, 9 AM until 11 AM, at the funeral home prior to the service. Rev. James B. Jones of Janes United Methodist Church, Rising Sun, MD, will officiate.  Interment will be in Hopewell Cemetery, Port Deposit, MD. Arrangements by Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., Perryville, MD.