John Leonard Thomas

John Leonard Thomas, age 74, passed away on February 6, 2023 after a long illness at the Enclave group home in Clayton, NC. Born on November 6, 1948 in Asheville, NC, John grew up in Weaverville, NC. He was the son of the late George Leonard Thomas and Audrey Bowen Thomas.

John graduated from the North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton, NC in 1972, attended Delgado Junior College in New Orleans, Louisiana, and graduated from St. Paul Technical Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota.

He retired from the US Government, working in the records department for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Asheville, NC for 36 years. John was an avid hiker, mountain biker and camper who enjoyed being out in nature. He especially enjoyed participating in the Asheville Deaf Club’s activities, was an active member of the Asheville Deaf Church.

He is survived by his brother: David E. Thomas and wife Sandy, of Apex, NC; his nephew: Joshua Thomas and wife Amanda, of Winchester, VA; and by many friends and acquaintances especially in Western North Carolina.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 1:30 - 2:30 pm at West Funeral Home (17 Merrimon Avenue) in Weaverville, NC. A Memorial Service will begin at 2:30 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Phillip Easterling officiating. Burial will be in West Memorial Park, also in Weaverville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Asheville Deaf Church, 283 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801.

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