Ralph Stephens Thomas

Ralph Stephens Thomas, age 90, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014. A former resident of Richmond, Va., Mr. Thomas has lived in Henderson, Nev., since 2003.

He was born on July 30, 1923, to Joseph N. and Florence (Stephens) Thomas in East St. Louis, Ill.

Mr. Thomas was a veteran of the second World War, serving in the Pacific with the U.S. Naval Reserve 1943-1946. During his career, he worked for Walworth Valve Co., and Robertshaw Controls Company, where he achieved the position of president and CEO. He also served as president of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, on the boards of Reynolds Metals Co., Bank of Virginia, Bank of Virginia Trust Co., Richmond YMCA, and as a trustee of Richmond Memorial Hospital. After his retirement, he established Longfield Farms in Shenandoah Junction, where he was the owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his brother, Alan; first wife, Bertha M. (Farenzena) (d. 1993); and his second wife, Mary Ellen (Potts Osland) (d. 2014).

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. today, at the Roman Catholic Parrish of St. James the Greater, 49 Crosswinds Drive, Charles Town, with the Rev. Father George Pucciarelli as the celebrant. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Shepherdstown, followed by a fellowship luncheon at St. James.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Saint Bernadette Building Fund, P.O. Box 11, Hedgesville, WV 25427.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at his obituary at www.eackles-spencerfuneralhome.com