John Edward Thomas, age 84 of Fowler Township passed away Tuesday morning, August 22, 2023 at St. Joesph's Hospital in Warren. For many that knew John, knew him as "Edward" or "Uncle Jessie."  He was born the son of the late Emerson W. and Ruth (Fisher) Thomas on October 7, 1938 in Lordstown.

Edward was a lifetime area resident, graduating from Newton Falls High School in 1956. Following high school graduation, Edward enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his faithful service to our country, Edward came home and worked as a Machinist at American Welding for 30 years. After American Welding closed in 1993, Edward started to drive truck for various company's around the area, officially retiring in 2018. He was of Baptist faith and was a member of the American Legion Post 51 in Hubbard. On February 25, 1993, Edward married the former Janice Miller. Together they shared 30 years of marriage and were members of the Trumbull County Metal Detecting Club and the Antique Tractor Club of Trumbull County.

Edward is survived by his wife Janice; two sons; Bill (Susan) Thomas of Mechanicsville, Maryland, Scott (Shelia) Thomas of Round Rock, Texas; two step-sons; Ira (Easter) Francis  and Mark Thomas, both of Cuero, Texas; two step-daughters; Mary (William) Shonce and Susan (Jim) Balog both of Austintown; two brothers; Art (Joann) Thomas and Richard (Nancy) Thomas, both of Newton Falls; 16 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter and one great great grandson.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents and twin sisters, who passed away at birth.

Funeral services will be held 11 am on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, Ohio 44444 (330) 872-5440 with Rev. Allan McCracken officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Following the service on Saturday, cremation will take place.

The family has requested that donations be made in Edward's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project in lieu of flowers being sent.

Family and friends may view this obituary online and send condolences by visiting the funeral homes website at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.