Graveside Services for Merlin "Joe" Thomas and his wife Linda Maree Thomas will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 12:00pm at the St. Stephens Cemetery, Belfort Rd., Croghan, NY.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13th from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm at the American Legion, Croghan, NY.

Merlin Joseph Thomas, 78 of 338 ½ S. Washington St. Carthage passed away April 8, 2024 at Advent Health in Sebring, Florida

Joe was born on October 1, 1945, in Croghan, the son of the late Merlin and Margaret Zehr Thomas. He was a graduate of Father Leo Memorial School in Croghan. He served during the Vietnam War for two years with the U. S. Army. He married the former Linda M. Fahsel in August of 1968. Joe had an extensive career with Gamble Distributors in Carthage. He traveled to many places in his sales position with Gamble's. He and Linda have wintered in the Sebring, Florida area for over 20 years.

Joe was a member of the BPOE Lodge #1762 of Carthage, the Croghan American Legion and he was an avid golfer, having membership at the Cedars Golf Course.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of Carthage, a daughter Laurie Gates (Randy) Hickey of Natural Bridge, two sons, Anthony (Christine) Gates of St. Petersburg, FL and Daniel Thomas of Sebring, Fl, 6 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Joe is predeceased by his siblings, James, William, Ronald, Jane and Sue.

The Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage is assisting the family. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.