Edward John Thomas, 95, of Parkersburg, passed away Oct. 22, 2022. He was born October 13, 1927, a son to the late Louis and Sadie (Kantoush) Thomas.

Eddie, as he was called, graduated from Parkersburg High School, where he played football and basketball, and ran track. Shortly after graduation, he began his lifelong career in the automobile industry. During this time, he also served in the U.S. Army in the Korean conflict. Upon his return, he went back to work at Louis Thomas Auto Sales. In April 1971, he started the Louis Thomas Subaru Dealership.

He actively participated in many dealer associations in West Virginia and certainly left his mark at 636 7th Street. His hard work and determination had one main purpose: to provide a prosperous and happy life and future for his family.

Surviving Edward is his wife of 68 years, Souad (Naddaf) Thomas; children Leila Marlow (Randy) of Parkersburg, Lou Thomas (Kathy) of Vienna, and Tammy Rhodes (Tim) of Mooresville, NC; grandchildren Melissa Smolinka, Morgan Bunner, Lou Thomas, Jr., Pamela Watson, Andy Thomas, Griffin Rhodes, and Casey Rhodes, and eight great-grandchildren.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings Thomas Thomas, John Thomas, infant brother Joseph, and Mary Thomas.

A funeral Mass was held for Edward on October 29 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Parkersburg, followed by his burial at Mr. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Edward’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Please keep the Thomas family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. He will be dearly missed by many.