Fred G. Thomas

Fred Gary Thomas, 88, of Copley, OH, passed away on May 15, 2026, after battling Parkinson’s disease for several years.

Fred was born on March 25, 1938, in Abington, Pennsylvania. He was baptized at Faith Community Church in Roslyn, Pennsylvania, in 1955. His lifelong walk of faith led him to re-affirm his beliefs as a Presbyterian in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1962, and again at Medina Presbyterian Church in Medina, Ohio, in November 2012. He was also confirmed at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Wadsworth, Ohio, on November 30, 2003.

On August 18, 1962, Fred married Mary Jane Fancher, beginning a marriage of almost sixty-four years.

Fred earned a bachelor’s degree from Houghton University in New York and a master’s degree at Indiana University in Bloomington. He continued his graduate studies at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. A devoted historian and educator, Fred taught as a Professor at Kent State University and as an Adjunct Professor at Malone University, where he was valued for his scholarship and his deep care for his students.

Alongside his teaching, Fred had a successful career as a sales executive in the telecommunications industry, with a tenure at Ohio Bell, Scott Fetzer, and Alcatel.

Above all, Fred was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He served in a variety of leadership and teaching roles throughout his life as a Deacon at Medina Presbyterian Church; as Senior Warden and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Wadsworth, Ohio; and as an Elder and Session member at earlier Presbyterian congregations. He taught and participated in countless Christian education classes and activities and was a faithful member of a Men’s Bible Study and Prayer Group for more than thirty years.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jane; his sons Mark (Diane) and Nate (Larra); and his cherished grandchildren David (Lina) and Katherine, children of Mark and Diane; and Drake (fiancée Ellie) and Madeline (Daniel), children of Nate and Larra.

Calling Hours will begin at 10:00 am on TUESDAY, May 26, 2026 at Medina Presbyterian Church in Medina, OH. A Memorial Service will be held at the church beginning at 11:00 am followed by an informal reception. Interment will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Houghton, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Medina Presbyterian Church Deacon’s Fund; Houghton University in Houghton, NY; or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)