DEARBORN — The family of longtime City Councilman Doug Thomas invites the public to a “Celebration of Life” at 7 p.m. March 21 at the Biergarten, 22184 Michigan Ave.
Jane (Nelson) Thomas, said a “Celebration of Life” is the best way to honor her late husband.
Mr. Thomas died on Feb. 6 in Florida, where he was a resident of Bonita Springs. He was 82.
Mr. Thomas served on council for a total of 21 years. He was first elected in 1981, holding his seat until 1985. He was re-elected to council in 1989, serving for five terms between 1990 and 2009.
A lifelong Dearborn resident before retiring to Florida in 2009, Mr. Thomas was a 1950 graduate of Dearborn High School. In 1954, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Bowling Green State University.
Mr. Thomas also served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 57, attaining the rank of first lieutenant.
Mr. Thomas owned Fairlane Travel for 29 years.
Mr. Thomas was active with the Dearborn Kiwanis Club, Fairlane YMCA Board of Directors, the Dearborn Inter-Service Club Council and the Dearborn Hills Civic Association.
In addition to his wife, Jane, he is also survived by daughters Pam Thomas and Debbie Kraus, stepson Jeff Valentine, grandchildren Eric and Heather, and two great grandchildren.