Ishpeming - William "Bill" A. Thomas, age 67, an Ishpeming resident, passed away Monday September 5, 2016 at his home while in the loving care of his family and UP Home Health & Hospice.

Bill was born on October 7, 1948 in Lansing, MI to Albert and Helen Thomas. He graduated from Western Michigan University 1978 as a Physician Assistant. He married Barbara Anderson on September 10, 1983. Bill worked as a Physician Assistant at Bell Hospital from 1981 until his retirement in 2011. He took great enjoyment in caring for his patients and being a part of the local community. He enjoyed reading, fine dining, Red Wings hockey, and always looked forward to his next traveling adventure.

Bill served in the Army as a Clinical Specialist (Medic) with the 3rd Battalion 7th Infantry during the Vietnam War.

Bill is survived by his wife Barbara Thomas of Ishpeming, MI; his mother Helen Thomas of Perry, MI; two children—Eric Thomas of Oakland, CA, and Holly (Mike) Stanton of Hasting, MI; a sister Kathy (Mike) Lincoln of Vernon MI; two grandchildren—David and Nathaniel Stanton of Hastings, MI; along with several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his father Albert Thomas, his sister Lesley Thomas, and his son Ricky Thomas.

A military honors service will be held at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan on September 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at donors@stjude.org

Bill's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.