Marquette – Wilburt H. Thomas, age 86 of 1810 Woodland Ave., Marquette passed away at his home on Saturday March 10, 2007 surrounded by his family and under the care of the Lake Superior Hospice.
Wilburt was born December 25, 1920 in Palmer the son of the late John W. and Lilly E. (Thompson) Thomas. He attended the Ishpeming Public Schools. Mr. Thomas served in the United States Army, as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II as a paratrooper. Wilburt wears five bronze stars, having fought in Italy and the French-German Theater of operations. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge for which he received the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945 and returned to this area at that time. He had worked at the K.I. Sawyer Air Base in the Maintenance Dept. for 15 years, and then for the Millwright – Carpenters Union, Local #955 for many years, retiring at age 62 only to go back to work when he was called upon. Wilburt was an avid deer hunter and in his earlier years loved fishing. For several years he had resided on Lake Michigamme with his wife and family.
Wilburt is survived by his wife of 59 years Dorothy (Charboutet) Thomas of Marquette; 4 children – David (Sharon) Thomas of Marquette, Cheryl Carilli of Negaunee, Valerie (David) Kipling of Ishpeming and Van Paul (Pat) Thomas of Newberry; 2 sisters – Jean Niemi of Michigamme and Lorraine Brogan of Marquette; 9 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Terry Thomas in 1995.
A private family service of remembrance will be held with the Rev. Charles Tooman to officiate. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Wilburt's obituary may be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance and sign his Guest Book.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.