Claren Ainsworth Thomas

Claren Ainsworth Thomas, 94, died peacefully of natural causes at Crestview, Lancaster. Born near Carey, Ohio on his family’s farm to loving parents, Ralph and Susan Elsie (Stahl) Thomas. He was the beloved husband of the late Frances Marshall Thomas; cherished father to Kristine Thomas of Renton, Washington, Julia (Ben) Sweazy and the late Ellen Cook; dear father-in-law of Tedd Cook; grandfather to Benjamin and Nathan (Stephanie) Sweazy, and Megan and the late Judson Cook; great-grandfather to Cole and Vivian Sweazy, Danyelle Cook, and Wyatt, Avery and Scarlett Woltz.

Claren was a member of Faith Memorial Church, Lancaster, for many years. He married his high school sweetheart, Fran, in 1948 and became co-owner of a gas station in Gary, IN. Claren and Fran moved to Greencastle in 1953. Claren then worked for North American Aviation in Columbus, and retired from Boeing Aviation as a machinist.

Claren was an avid gardener, bird watcher, and carpenter making many items for family members throughout the years. He was a 25 gallon blood donor. He will be remembered fondly and admired for his consistent gentle character, faithfulness, strength, and willingness to lend a hand to his friends and family.

Also surviving are his sisters, Norma (Larry) Hoover and Nancy (Bill) Higginbotham; and sister-in-law, Grace Marshall Young.

Claren is also preceded in death by his brothers, John Thomas, Winfield Thomas; and sisters, Donna Smith and Rose Randolph.

A funeral service officiated by pastor Mex Truex will take place in Floral Hills Memory Gardens mausoleum on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 1 p.m. Arrangements have been made through the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME.

To leave an online condolence, and sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com.