Lowell G. Thomas

January 19, 2012

DEXTER, N.Y.  —  Lowell G. Thomas, 79, Dexter, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, at his home under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Born Dec. 21, 1932, on Pillar Point, son of John R. and Edna Baldwin Thomas, he worked on the family farm and was a member of Dexter High School band and wrestling team.  

He married Sheila Bryant  on July 27, 1952. They lived briefly in Glen Park before moving to Dexter in 1959.

Lowell was very active in the community and served in the Dexter Fire Department as fire chief, fire commissioner in his 53 year service. He was involved in the Dexter Fire Dept. racing team, water ball, field days and planning of the Dexter Fire Hall and the formation of the Pillar Point Fire Department. In 1979, Lowell was chosen fireman of the year by his peers. Lowell also served on the Jefferson County  Fire Advisory Board, EMS Council, and was a Zone Fire Coordinator for Jefferson County.

Mr. Thomas was very active in the promotion of youth activities in the Dexter area. As one of the founding members of the Dexter Citizens Committee, he helped build the organization from the ground up from manual labor to behind the scenes support.

He continued to be involved in  community and in 1979 was elected to serve on the village board as rrustee, and was deputy mayor. His goal to build a better community for the residents of Dexter was always on his mind. He continued to support youth activities in the village serving as Youth Committee Chairman for several years. He was involved in the Children's Halloween party held every year at the Dexter Elementary School and the annual Children's Christmas Party. 

Lowell was always there to lend a hand in the physical hands on construction of the boat launches, parks, tree plantings.  In his 26 years of service to the Village of Dexter he was involved in development of the Smith Hills Apartments, Poole Apartments, Industrial Buildings, water and sewer projects along with the development of public parks in Dexter.

In 1983, Lowell and his wife, Sheila, were honored by being selected Citizens of the Year for their dedicated service to the community.

Lowell was owner and operator of Thomas Septic Tank for over 30 years with his sons. While also working for the Brownville paper mill, Black Clawson, Easter, AI, SMI,Town of Brownville Highway Department retiring in 1995. Lowell continued to work for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept. as court attendant in Supreme Court and County Court until his passing.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Sheila; a daughter, Cheryl, and her husband, Stephen Lane, Dexter; four sons, Darrel, Jonathan and Steven, all of Dexter, and Christopher and Danielle Thomas, Watertown; a brother, Robert J. Thomas, Glen Park; and seven grandchildren.

A brother, Norman, and a sister, Gretta Thomas, and a grandson, David J. Lane, all died before him.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter, with Rev. Don Bryant officiating. Burial will be in Dexter Cemetery. Calling hours will be 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20.  

Donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County or the Dexter Fire Department.

Information provided by Johnson Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.