RALPH W. THOMAS

November 19, 1921 - December 4, 2016
Ralph W. Thomas, best known as Pappy, was a native of Oklahoma and a longtime resident of Morgan City. Pappy passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at the age of 95.
Pappy leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 23 years, D. Thomas of Morgan City; his daughter, Miranda “Mandy” Suire and her husband, Tommy; and his son, Leon McClendon and his wife, Donna.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Pappy loyally served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II, where he survived two sunken ships, one of which Pappy assisted all other Coast Guard members off before he himself, abandoned. While serving his nation, he received awards for his dedication and valor. Pappy was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge in Morgan City, of which he was a Master Mason in 1964.
Before retirement, Pappy and his wife D. transported vehicles across the United States for Courtesy Vehicles of Morgan City. While working for Courtesy, Pappy was able to see many sights across this nation. Well lived, Pappy had an eventful and happy life, but among all he did, he was most proud of being a member of Bayou Vista Baptist Church.
The family requests that a time of visitation and remembrance be observed Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, from 10 a.m. until time of services at 2 p.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City. Pappy will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery where Masonic services and military honors will be rendered.