Ilion Donald R. Thomas, 82, of Ilion, NY passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, SC. Don was born on July 30, 1932 in Utica, NY, the son of the late Robert and Anna (Atwell) Thomas. Don was a graduate of Chadwicks High School and also attended MVTI for one year prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army, serving in Korea. On April 16, 1955 he was married to the former M. Susan McIlwain at the Oliviet Presbyterian Church in Utica. Don was the owner of the Donald R. Thomas Insurance Agency in Herkimer, NY for many years and currently employed part time as a driver of auction cars by Midtown Autoworld, located in Herkimer. Don was a member of the Ilion Elks Lodge 1444 where he was Past Exalted Ruler and also lodge manager for many years. He was also a member of the Ilion/Frankfort VFW #502 and was a Mason of the Saquoit Lodge #150 F&AM. Don was also very active in the Troop 9 Boy Scouts for many years and enjoyed being a part of the Barber Shop Quartet. He was a long time member and past President of The Cedar Lake Club. Don was a longtime active member of the Ilion First Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon, Trustee, and Elder, also sang in the church's choir for many years. Don was also an avid bowler and golfer. Don is survived by his wife, Sue; a son, James and his wife, Vicky of Chippewa Falls, WI; a daughter, Linda Crossman of Dayton, OH; a son, David Thomas of Huntington Beach, CA and a son, Bryan Thomas and fiancé Connie Eddy, of Ilion, NY; 11 grand-children, Megan and Clarissa Thomas, William Chrisovergis and his wife, Kendall, Matthew Chrisovergis and his wife, Cristina, Christina Crossman, Stephanie Crossman, Natalie, David, Jr. and Derrick Thomas, Andrew and Amanda Thomas; Don also leaves several nieces and nephews, a great grandson, Hugh Robert Thomas. Don was predeceased by his brothers, Alfred and identical twin brother, Ronald Thomas. Friends are invited to call, Wednesday, March 25, 2015 from 4 pm until the time of the service for Don at 7pm at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc., 100 Otsego Street in Ilion, with Rev. Ruth Kuo officiating. Ritual services will be conducted by the Masons at 6pm, the VFW at 6:15pm and the Elks at 6:30 pm, on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to the Donald R. Thomas Memorial Fund C/O Sue Thomas 155 S. Fourth Ave. Ilion, NY 13357. To send an on line condolence please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com.