On Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, Donald Roger Thomas, 88, a former resident of Williamsburg, Va., and Corona del Mar, Calif., died peacefully at his home in Cambria, Calif., after a long illness.
Born in Long Beach, Calif., Donald was the son of Brennan Smith Thomas and Pearl Martha Hasler, both of Salt Lake City, Utah. A graduate of Downey High School, Donald received a degree in civil engineering from the University of Southern California, where he was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Donald earned his professional license and pursued a fulfilling career in structural engineering, working first for the Long Beach firm of Bole & Wilson before moving to Orange County, where he joined John A. Martin Associates, and then Steinbrugge, Thomas & Bloom, where he held the position of principal.
Upon his retirement, he moved to Williamsburg to be closer to family and pursued a variety of interests, including music, movies, convertibles, camera collecting, home improvement projects and membership in the Pulaski Club, where he held the position of secretary before relocating to Cambria, Calif.
A devoted husband and father, Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Mary Franklin Curtis, formerly of Richmond, Va.; and second wife, Carita Elizabeth Marino, of Cambria, Calif.
He is survived by his son, Franklin P. Thomas of Costa Mesa, Calif.; daughter, Martha T. Terrell (Tom) of Williamsburg, Va.; and granddaughter, Donna K. Thomas of Costa Mesa, Calif.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Williamsburg.
Online condolences may be offered at nelsencares.com.
