Paul J. Thomas, age 91, of Richmond, died Saturday afternoon (March 17, 2012) at his residence. He was born in Wayne County on October 23, 1920 to James and Hazel Thomas. He attended Test Junior High School and Morton High School and served in the Army Combat Engineers in the South Pacific during World War II. He worked for DeBolt Excavating for 33 years before starting his own corporation, PJ's Excavating, which he operated for 23 years. He was a 57 year member of Harry Ray Post 65 of the American Legion and a 35 year member of the Operating Engineers Union. Survivors include his wife - Martha M. Thomas; two daughters - Phyllis (John) McKinney and Peggy (J.T.) Taylor; two step-daughters - Carol (Dan) Caplinger, Nancy (Rick) Funk, grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He is also survived by step-grandchildren - Cindy (Chip) Baker, Tim Howard, Emily (Scott) Glander, Rebecca (Sean) Crouse, Ashley (Matt) Garard and step-great grandchildren - Casandra and Thorin Stage, Blade and Darby Baker, Taylor and Elizabeth Glander, Loren and Abby Crouse, Megan Howard. His first wife, Dorothy Thomas, died in 1998. His sisters, Dorothy McDaniels and Lena M. Shaffer, brother, Wayne L. Thomas and a granddaughter, Stephanie Williams, are also deceased. Services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday (March 21, 2012) in Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary. Sgt. Chip Baker and Rev. Larry Girdwood will officiate. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery where military graveside services will be conducted by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Friends may call on Tuesday (March 20, 2012) from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Whitewater Christian Church, 7918 North State Road 227, Richmond, IN 47374. www.riggle-waltermann.com