Norman was born December 3, 1934 in Columbus, OH to John and Berniece (Moffitt) Thomas. He graduated from Dublin High School in 1953 and then farmed and worked as a mechanic at his dad's car dealership. Norman was married to Jane Patrick in February 16, 1959 in Dublin. He was a volunteer fireman in Dublin for 25 years. They moved to a farm in Clare Township northwest of Flandreau in 1975. Norman was active with 4-H, high school rodeos and raising Limousin cattle. He enjoyed riding horses, trapshooting, square dancing, working with horse teams and he liked his Doberman dogs.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, Flandreau; six children, Connie Elder, Dunlap, IA, Terrie (Chuck) Baesmann, Marysville, OH, Christie Thomas, Flandreau, Kellie Ziebarth, Elkton, Jim Thomas, Flandreau, Jerrie Thomas, Buffalo, WY; nine grandchildren, Josh, Seth, Luke, Charlie, Johnnie, Bailey, Cole, M.J., Carter; a sister, Dr. Jo Ellen Thomas, Greenland, NH and a brother, Dave (MaDonna) Thomas, London, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Saturday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with burial in Clare Cemetery. Visitation begins at 3:00 pm Friday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with the family present from 5 – 7 pm.