Don Thomas

Don Thomas, age 90, a long-time resident of the Skyland community, passed away Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the Elizabeth House in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Don grew up in Spring Creek, North Carolina. He and his late wife of 63 years, Robbie Thomas, made their permanent home in the Asheville area. Don served four years in the U.S. Air Force followed by a period of service in the Air Force Reserves. Later, he graduated from Blanton’s Business School. Don had a long career in manufacturing and supervision, originally at CTS and then later retiring from Eaton Cutler-Hammer.

With a love for animals and the outdoors, Don was an avid fisherman and often could be found trout fishing at Davidson River. He enjoyed woodworking and found much pleasure during retirement with this hobby. Don loved the game of baseball and got to see his life-long favorite team, the Atlanta Braves, win one more World Series. Don’s grandchildren perfectly named him “Papaw” which seemed to epitomize his warm smile and humble spirit. Whether it was him teaching them how to fish or a simple phone call, he cherished every minute he spent with them. Of all the joys in Don’s life, nothing compared to the love of his life – his wife and children. He was a dedicated husband and father investing his time and heart in his family.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Robbie Thomas; his parents, Bonnie and Ed Thomas of Spring Creek; and his sister-in-law, Mildred Owens of Arden.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth Donald Thomas and wife Carolyn of Fairview; his daughter, Judy Thomas Grant and husband Tom of Atlanta; two special grandchildren, Alaina Grant and Jackson Grant both of Atlanta; one brother, Charles Thomas and wife Pat of Arden; niece, Cheryl Sasser of Charleston; great-nieces Taylor and Baylee Sasser; one sister, Pat McCall and husband Ted of Fairview; nephew, Mike Parker and wife Cindy; great-niece, Megan Penland and husband Josh; brother-in-law, Mike Owens; and special family friend, Dianne Dirscherl of Fletcher.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 7th at 2:00 at Calvary Churchyard located in Fletcher. The graveside service will be officiated by Pastor Robert Ponder of Skyland Baptist Church, the Thomas’ church home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Elizabeth House through the Four Seasons Foundation, fourseasonsfdn.teleioscn.org.