Arthur Marion Thoman

Arthur Marion Thoman passed away January 28, 2019 at his residence in DeLand. He was born March 10th, 1928 in Coraopolis Pennsylvania, the son of Jenessa "Jennie" Celedonia Thoman and Arthur Franklin Thoman. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Grace Thoman Haymond, Anna Jean Thoman Keyes, and Mary Lou Thoman Smith. Art is Survived by his wife of 55 years, Jo Ann Collins Thoman, sister Francis Thoman Reilly, children William (Donna) Thoman, James (Lorna) Thoman, Wayne Thoman, Carla (Budd) Darling II, Patrick (Tammy) Thoman, Grandchildren, Angela Thoman Kadera, Clint Thoman, Ashley Thoman, Nicholas Thoman, Galadriel Thoman, Budd Charles Darling III, Christopher Thoman, Courtney Thoman, Saira Hall, Tyler Thoman, and ten Great Grandchildren.Art grew up in Galion, Ohio and worked as a young teenager at the Perfection Steel Body Company while attending Galion High School. He was the 1946 Senior Class President, played Varsity football, participated in Drama and belonged to a signing group. Following high school, Art enlisted in the US Navy and served on the submarine tender U.S.S Proteus (AS19) until November 1947 when he was honorably discharged from the Navy following the end of WWII. Art moved to Deland around 1950, where he later owned and operated a painting contractor business. Throughout his life Art was dedicated to his family and his community, particularly with children. He joined the Boys Scout of America with his eldest son Bill in 1957. He earned Star Scout before serving as Scout Master. Art spent over three decades within the organization and went on to become Chairman of the St. Johns District in 1969, District Training Chairman and Camping Chairman, Organizational Chairman in 1981, Tuscarora District Chairman in 1983 and Assistant District Commissioner of the St. Johns District. He received the Arrowhead Award in 1962, a Certificate of Appreciation in 1965, Silver Beaver Award (the highest council level award in Scouting) in 1968, and District Award of Merit 1981. Some of Art's favorite memories of Scouting were camping trips to, Colorado and New Mexico with the Jamboree Troop 72 of Central Florida, and the mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and monthly camping trips at Camp La-No-Che in Paisley, Florida. During his early years in scouting, Art was also the Chairman and creator of the Wildlife Exhibit for the Deland Museum that focused on child education. Art also ran a small farm at his home, with his family, where they raised wild game birds, cows, horses and other farm animals. School children often participated in field trips to the farm. Art continued to serve his community as a member of the Deland Jaycees, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He served as Esquire of the Deland Elks Lodge in 1971, Exalted Ruler of the Deland Lodge 1974, State Vice President 1975, Florida East Central District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1977 and District Director 1982-1984. Art was also a dedicated sponsor of the Harry-Anna Crippled Children's Hospital in Umatilla, Florida. In 1997 Art was awarded a plaque for his many years of distinguished service in the residential programs of the Children's Home Society North Coastal Division. Art was also a substitute teacher for a short time and volunteered as a Victim Advocate at the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. In 1955 Art became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2380 in Deland. Around 2005 he became active again and became Quarter Master and later served as the Post Commander. In 2013 Art join the Knights of Columbus Council #6274 and was a member of the St. Peter's Catholic Church in Deland. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 1st from 6-8pm at Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home in DeLand. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 2nd at 10am at St. Peter Catholic Church in DeLand with interment following at DeLand Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.allensummerhill.com. Allen-Summerhill DeLand is in charge.