Friendship Volunteer Fire Department Mourns Loss of Former Member

Kenneth Thomas passed away on Monday, one day before his 86th birthday.

Kenneth Thomas. Photo via Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.

(Cross Plains, Ind.) - The Friendship Volunteer Fire Department is mourning the loss of former member Kenneth Thomas. 

The Cross Plains native passed away on Monday at the age of 85, just one day away from his 86th birthday. 

Thomas was a 1959 graduate of Cross Plains High School. He went on to serve with the USAF Reserves and was stationed in Texas during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. 

Thomas served with the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department during the 1970s and 1980s where he became the first of three generations of his family to serve the Friendship community. 

His sons and a grandson have since followed in his footsteps. 

"Even after his years of service, Kenny remained a devoted supporter of Friendship Volunteer Fire Department. You could find he and Sharon at nearly every event. Rest in peace, old friend. Thank you for your service, support, and many contributions over the years. To the rest of the Thomas family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," reads a statement from Friendship Volunteer Fire Department. 

Thomas was a well-known as a lifelong farmer in his community and he and his wife of 64 years, Sharen, had formerly been named Conservation Farmers of the Year.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 4 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean. 

Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department in care of the funeral home.