Owen M. Thomas

Owen M. Thomas died in Sonoma on October 13th 2018, where he had lived for 67 years. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina on May 19th, 1924 to George and Annie Thomas.  He grew up in Dallas, Texas and served in the Navy during World War II. Owen graduated Baylor University with a Bachelor of Music degree. He taught one year in Texas, then came to California and was in Sonoma teaching music for thirty two years.

Owen was involved in many musical activities in Sonoma, including the Sonoma Community Chorus, Kenwood Carolers and founding the Sonoma Contata Choir, as well as providing accompaniment for hundreds of events in the area. He served as music director and pianist at Redwood Baptist Church in Napa and First Baptist Church Sonoma, and continued to play piano in Sonoma into his 92nd year.   After retiring from teaching, he began working with FISH, becoming the coordinator for the government food program for many years. He also volunteered his time playing music at local hospitals and rest homes.

Owen is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruthmary and his children Mark and June Thomas, Maribeth LeValley (Jon LeValley, deceased) and Laura Danieli; his grandchildren Jason and Sara Reed, Jared and Kristen Reed, Mark O. Thomas, Nathan Thomas, and great grandchildren Charlotte and Miles Reed.

Friends are invited to attend visitation, Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Duggan's Mission Chapel, 525 West Napa St., Sonoma.  A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Sonoma.

 

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