Gerald L. Thomas

Gerald L. "Jake" Thomas, age 71, of Atlantic passed away Monday evening March 31, 2025, in Meadville Medical Center.

He was born in Geneva, PA on August 18, 1953, and was the son of James and Josephine (Welsh) Thomas.

He was a 1974 graduate of Conneaut Lake High School and on January 13, 1978, Jake married the former Sarah "Katie" Best, she survives. He was employed as a high lift operator at Conneaut Lake Sand and Gravel for 42 years, was an auctioneer for many years, and enjoyed driving for the Amish community. Jake enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, attending sports activities, riding his tractor, and cutting firewood. He truly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren!

In addition to his wife of 47 years; he is survived by a daughter, Holly Zimmer of Atlantic; a son, Derek Thomas and his companion Emily Cubbon of Meadville; two sisters, Freda Ruhlman and her husband Larry of Atlantic, Diane Lyons of Georgia; four grandchildren, Sarah and Jennings Zimmer, Parker and Cohen Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Wanda Rhoades, brother-in-law Gary Lyons, and a nephew, Eric Ruhlman.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in ROSE AND WAID FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC. 12422 CONNEAUT LAKE RD. CONNEAUT LAKE with Pastor Kadan Loney, assistant pastor of Rometown Community Church, officiating. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

Burial will be in Adsit Cemetery, Conneaut Lake.

Memorial contributions may be made to Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Rd., Meadville, PA 16335.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rosefh.com.