Mason Paul Thomas

Mason Paul Thomas, age 89 of Hastings, passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at his home, with his family by his side.

Mace was born on July 3, 1926 in Hastings, the son of Arthur Gilbert and Pearl (Moore) Thomas. He attended Hastings High School, graduating in 1944. He honorably served in the United States Army during World War II in active combat, in Italy, from 1944 - 1946. Mace married Helen Loftus on July 23, 1949.

Mace was the owner and operator of Hastings Burial Vault Company. He retired from the business in 2001. Prior to the purchase of Hastings Burial Vault, Mace was the owner of Hastings Standard Gas Station.
He was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Church in Hastings. Mace was also a member of the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame, and the Freeport Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge and Euchre. Mace's passion for many years was race cars. He was a mechanic and built race cars. Mace loved attending the races in Indianapolis every year.

Mace was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Pearl Thomas, wife, Helen Thomas, and brothers, Richard and Owen Thomas.

He is survived by children: Chris Jenkins, Diane (Don) Conner, Mary (Bill) Burghdoff, Nancy (Jeff) Buehl, Jim (Jill) Thomas, Jack (Joanie) Thomas, 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Mace will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Thornapple Manor, 2700 Nashville Hwy. Hastings, or the Barry County Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings.