Barry W. Thomas

CHINA – Barry W. Thomas, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center in Waterville, following a long illness. He was born on Sept. 13, 1943, the son of the late William and Juanita (Pierce) Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was a 1961 graduate of Erskine Academy, then earning his bachelor’s degree in education from then Farmington State Teachers College, now the University of Maine at Farmington.

Upon graduation, he was then employed for 33 years in the China School System, where he taught subjects such as science, mathematics, and history. During these 33 years he also coached both basketball and baseball for China Schools. He was also a long-time coach and counselor, with friends John Mitchell, Richard Meader, and Richard Whitmore, at Pine Tree Basketball Clinic, coaching there for over 25 summers. Barry took immense pride from his opportunity to coach and shape, to some extent, the young men who played for him and was always proud to see their achievements as they grew older.

Barry was a long-standing member of the Erskine Academy Board of Trustees, serving as its President for well over a decade and was immensely pleased to see the school’s continued growth and evolution over the course of his tenure. He also was a caretaker of Erskine Academy’s history and was honored to have Erskine’s formal archives named after him. Mr. Thomas was also a member of the Dirigo Masonic Lodge #104, where he served as Grand Master over several years in the 1970’s.

Barry was an avid sports fan, especially of the New York Giants and Boston Celtics, and a lover of classic 1950’s country and rock and roll music. This love of sports and music led him to being an active collector of both records and sports cards, which he enjoyed doing with his son, Jason, for many years.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Milford Thomas, and a sister, Marilyn Gray.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra G. (Grimshaw) Thomas of South China, who would have been celebrating their 60th anniversary on Nov. 7 of this year; his son, Jason W. Thomas and partner, Hollie Kunesh of Waterville; a brother, Wayne Thomas and his wife, Diane, of Foley, Ala.; two grandchildren, Olivia and Riley Kunesh; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per his request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. Burial will be at a later date with a private Masonic service at Chadwick Hill Cemetery in South China and a public celebration of life, open to all, also to be announced at a later date.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the following for their exceptional care of Barry in his last year; the staff of Lakewood Continuing Care Facility for their attention to his needs in his final days, the staff and nurses of Beacon Hospice Care for their assistance since January, and a special thank you to Betty Ouellette of China. Her invaluable assistance to both Barry and his family will never be forgotten.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:

Best Buddies of Maine, an organization helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities

in memory of

Barry W. Thomas at

Best Buddies of Maine

PO Box 573

Cumberland, ME 04021 or:

St. Jude’s

Children’s Hospital

in memory of

Barry W. Thomas

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN, 38105

Barry W. Thomas