Donald C. Thomas, Sr.

Donald C. Thomas Sr., 90, of Gardners, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024. The son of the late C. Elmer and Beulah (Starner) Thomas, he was born and raised in Gardners, where he eventually raised his own family. 

A lifelong butcher, for 35 years he owned and operated a stand at the West Shore Famers Market, Lemoyne. Prior to that he worked at Smith’s Meat Market and Slaughterhouse in York Springs and Wayne Nell & Sons in East Berlin. In later years he was a mower at the Mayapple Golf Club in Carlisle. 

He is survived by Lois (Sheaffer), his wife of 68 years; son Donnie (Tracy) Thomas, and daughters Lisa (Larry) Lockman and Lynnette (Brian) Finfrock; four grandchildren, Devin (Katie) Manzullo-Thomas, Tyler (James Geraghty) Thomas, Abby (Colton Keck) and Jordan (Kalyn Shearer) Finfrock; one great-grandson, Lucas Manzullo-Thomas; sisters Rosemary Sweitzer, Agnes Thomas, and Alice (Dean) Nailor; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, including his special great-nephews Adam (Jamie) Stevens and Andrew (M. Jane Adkins) Stevens, and his great-grand-nephew Forrest Stevens. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert, and an infant sister, Dorothy. 

Though he loved hunting, farming, and caring for livestock, especially chickens and goats, Donald’s favorite role was that of grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and their children, and he loved being their Pappy.

A visitation with the family will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 29, followed by the memorial service at 2:00 PM at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 4200 Carlisle Road, Gardners. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mt. Zion Church. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs. Visit www.HollingerFuneralHome.com to offer condolences to the family.