Max M. Thomas, 78, of Grand Island, Nebraska died Saturday March 10, 2001 at St. Francis Memorial Health Center in Grand Island, Neb.  A memorial service at Apfel-Butler-Geddes Funeral Home Chapel in Grand Island, Neb. Mr. Thomas was cremated, interment in Grand Island City Cemetery in Grand Island, Neb.

Mr. Thomas was born on December 20, 1922 to William and Dessie (Scherer) Thomas in Olney. He married Rosalie Jeanette Hout on August 19, 1948 in Olney. She preceded him in death.

He grew up in Richland County and received his education at Wilson School and Olney Township High School. He entered the U.S. Army, serving with the 82nd Airborne during World War II. He was active in D-Day, several European campaigns and as part of General Eisenhower's Honor Guard. He was honorably discharged on December 26, 1945. After his marriage, the couple resided in Olney where he was employed by Olney Greenhouse and Flower Shop until 1968. They moved to Grand Island, Neb. where, until retirement he was employed by Clark Brothers Sanitation.

Mr. Thomas is survived by two sons, Michael Thomas and Kevin Thomas both of Grand Island, Neb.; three daughters, Vicki Thomas of Springfield, Dee Northup of Lincoln, Neb. and Jayne Cole of Grand Island, Neb.; 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two brothers, Oral Thomas of Olney and Ray Thomas of Tuscola; and one sister, Bernadine Wagy of Olney.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie, grandson, Bradley and son-in-law, Chuck Pearce.

Grand Island Independent, The (NE) - Tuesday, March 13, 2001