Blaine N. Thomas

Blaine N. Thomas, 90, a lifetime resident and active community member of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2014 at his home. Blaine was born on August 18, 1923 in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Ora and Alta (Shields) Thomas. He grew up and attended schools in Manhattan, graduating from Manhattan High School. After high school Blaine enlisted into the United States Air Force, where he served during World War II. In 1941, Blaine started a sign manufacturing company, Thomas Sign Advertising, which he owned and operated until his retirement. On June 25, 1948, in Manhattan, Blaine was united in marriage to Armeda Scott. She survives of the home. Blaine was a member of the Elks Club, the Kansas Sign Association, Friends of Sunset Zoo and AMICA. He also was a member of the First Christian Church of Manhattan. Blaine enjoyed collecting musical and other coin operated machines, both Victorian and antique. Blaine is also survived by his son: Bart Thomas and wife Cindy of Manhattan; a daughter: Shari Springer and Chris Teller of Manhattan; one brother: Norman C. Thomas of Wamego, KS; three grandchildren: Layton Thomas, Kelsey Devine and Amy Cooper; three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his brother, Virgil Thomas and one grandson, Shawn Springer. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2014 at the First Christian Church of Manhattan, 115 Courthouse Plaza. Burial will follow at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan. A visitation for Blaine will be held Thursday prior to his service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Friends of Sunset Zoo and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547.