Claire Thomas

Madison - Claire Arthur Thomas, age 94, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Capital Lakes Health Center in Madison. He was born on a farm, February 7, 1918, in Preston, WI, the oldest of five children to Ray and Minnie (Enerson) Thomas. Claire was united in marriage to Jeanette Alice Kepke Thomas, who preceded him in death in 1987. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was a U.S. Marine Corps carrier fighter pilot during WWII. Claire was a Certified Life Underwriter (CLU). He served the South District of Wisconsin for 22 years as a General Agent for Northwestern Life Insurance Company. Although he retired at age 65, he still sold insurance up to age 89. Claire had numerous activities and contributions to life insurance, including being a board member of Madison CLU; MALU member for 47 years; and receiving a MALU Distinguished Service Award in 1995. He also contributed to various advisory and rule implementation committees, reviewing examination results and questions, and creating a booklet on Wisconsin insurance regulations. Claire married Patricia Laird on January 24, 1992 in Cape Cod. He was very involved in Rotary, serving as a past District Governor, and recipient of a Paul Harris Award. Claire is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Mariclare Thomas, James Arthur (Linda) Thomas, William Frederick (Kenneth W.) Thomas and Carla Jane Thomas; one grandchild, James Arthur Thomas, Jr.; and two sisters, Raelene Jepson and Lois Johnson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanette; a daughter, Kristine Janet Thomas in 1970; a brother, Robert Thomas; and sister, Marianne Foster. A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. TODAY, Thursday, April 26, 2012 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave, Madison. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Rotary Club of Madison, 22 N. Carroll St. Ste. 202, Madison, WI 53703; the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association P.O. Box 7513 Madison, WI 53707; First Congregational UCC, 1609 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706; or a charity of choice.