CECIL K. THOMAS, 83, went to be with the Lord on July 10, 2007, at St. John's Hospital -- Berryville, while holding his daughter Euphama's hand and praying. His last words were, "I love you, Jesus."

Cecil was born Oct. 8, 1923, to Roy and Charlotte Thomas of Monarch, Kan. He was a Naval veteran of WWII, serving as a cook with the rank of Seaman 1st Class in the South Pacific. He was a 28-year member of Alpena First Assembly of God Church, serving as deacon, Sunday School teacher and loving advisor to the church community.

Celebration of Life will be held July 14, 2007, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Bill Anderson and Rev. Michael Wayne Thomas officiating at Smith Family Funeral of Green Forest, with burial in Auman Cemetery near Alpena.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbears will be grandsons. Visitation will be Friday, July 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home. A dinner for family and friends will be held at First Assembly of God Church in Alpena immediately following services.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Lowell, Harry, Wayne and Herbert; three sisters, Jewell Wescott, Helen Price and Mildred Kilpatrick; and one grandson, Jedidiah Stephens.

Cecil is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Erma Lee Thomas; one son, Michal Thomas and his wife Jeanette of Harrison; four daughters, Euphama Stephens and her husband Tommy of Alpena, Michelle Smith and her husband Robert of Hollister, Calif., Lynette Comer of Harrison, Laquetta Cope and her husband James of Alpena; one sister, Dorothy Stone and her husband Ross of Hemet, Calif.; 25 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other friends and relatives.

He will be greatly missed and always loved by those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up at First National Bank of Green Forest.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.