THOMAS, Margaret Ethel

Today's news-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Saturday, December 6, 2014 Margaret Ethel Thomas May 9, 1923- November 22, 2014 James “Jimmy” Roland Thomas, 91, of Lake Havasu City, passed away Monday, Nov. 17; just a five days later he was followed by his wife of 70 years. Margaret Ethel Thomas, 91, who passed away Saturday, Nov. 22. James was born April 24, 1923 in Mulberry, Kan. to the late John Morgan and Mary (Fleming) Thomas. Margaret was born May 9, 1923 in New Orleans to the late Robert L. and Mary M. (Leech) Clayton. James and Margaret were married on June 18, 1944 in Glendale, Calif. and spent a wonderful, loving, lifetime together. James served in the Air Force n 1944-1946, where he was part of the 339th Fighter Squadron, the 347th Fighter Group, and the P38 Fighter Pilot during WWII. During his time in the Air Force he was in several battles including New Guinea, Southern Philippines Luzon, and Air Combat duty Borneo. James received several medals including an Air medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medals, American Theater Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and a Philippines Liberation ribbon. Before and after his military career Jimmy worked for the Santa Fe Railroad. James retired at age 44 from the railroad and he and Margaret camped and traveled the United States, Canada and Mexico for the next 20-some years. They both enjoyed reading, word search puzzles, spending time with their grandchildren, great-grandchildren and watching football and golf on TV. Margaret and James are survived by a daughter, Carol Thomas of San Bernardino, Calif. and grandsons Brian Thomas of Lake Havasu City and Rodney and Ronnie Thomas of Riverside, Calif.; they are also survived by five great-grandchildren. Margaret and James are preceded in death by their parents and son, Allan Thomas. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to James and Margaret’s family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.