Obituary of Preston Thomas Jr.

Preston C. Thomas Jr. of Wrights Corners entered into rest January 30, 2009 at the age of 82. Born June 4, 1926 in Lockport, he was the son of the late Preston Sr. and Hazel Chase Thomas. He was married for nearly 60 years to the late Alice (Ridley) and was father to William Thomas of Lockport, Karen (Keith) Januszak of Williamsville, Susan (Philip) Dunn of Keene, NH, Timothy (Cheryl Stoltzenberg) of Newfane and Carol Groff of Lockport. He was lovingly referred to as "Bop Bop" by his ten grandchildren. Mr. Thomas established Thomas Fabricating Service, which provided custom-made countertops to homes and businesses in the WNY area for nearly 50 years. Throughout his life he enjoyed baseball, hunting, bowling, camping and billiards. Also known as 'Tommy,' Mr. Thomas loved the outdoors. Along with a group of friends he co-owned a cabin in the southern tier where he went often to hunt and fish. This was also a retreat for spending time with family and the source of many special memories. An avid motorcyclist, he accomplished his goal of riding through all 48 contiguous states. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a B22 tailgunner and later volunteered as a firefighter with the Wrights Corners Volunteer Fire Company. As a professional archer he was involved with the Newfane Conversation Club and Leo's Archery Lanes in Depew. His shooting skills won him numerous awards including the WNY State Championship. He also spent time teaching archery to youths at the Kenan Center. In later years, his interest in muzzle loaders led him to become a member of the Alabama Hunt Club. Besides his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister Cynthia of Lockport and brother Donald (Joan) of Willis, Texas. His siblings Audrey, Barbara, Rowland, Gary and Robert predecease him. Calling hours will be held at the Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street in Lockport, on Monday, February 2nd from 4-7pm where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 am. A private burial will follow. <h3>Visitation</h3> Monday February 2, 2009 4 to 7 PM <h3>Services</h3> Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, Inc. Tuesday February 3, 2009 10 AM <h3>Interment</h3> Private Burial in North Ridge Cemetery