David R. Thomas Jr., 79, passed away at CMMC November 2, after a brief illness.

He was born in Windsor, Vermont, on March 28, 1942, the son of David Thomas Sr. and Iva (Payne) Thomas. He grew up helping his father manage three farms. He came to Bridgton with his father in 1960, living in West Bridgton and then Sandy Creek.

David served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, serving as a mechanic with Company A, 538th Engineer Battalion. He served in Vietnam for 15 months, from 1965-1966. He was stationed in Saigon, and did frequent convoy missions to Bangkok, Thailand.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, David married Dorothea Crook on January 1, 1967. They made their home in Westbrook, and he worked for Clifford Perham Trucking Co. for Shaw’s. After several years there, they acquired the Chet Edson Farm, formerly the Colonel Jesse Gibbs Farm, on Highland Ridge. They renamed it “Bonnie Highlands Farm,” and both of them proudly took care of it. After his wife died in 2007, David took care of the farm on his own until he sold it and moved across the road.

Mr. Thomas was a life member of Harrison’s Ronald St. John Post 9328, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed farming and taking care of his sheep and cattle.

David was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother Kay, and his late wife Dot.

He is survived by his step son, Jeff Adair of Hiram, his sister, Louise Braley of Kentucky, his younger brother, Larry Thomas of New Mexico, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two of his grand nephews, Sergeant Morgan Bingham and Specialist Liam Opie, who are deployed overseas together with the US Army. He will also be missed by his nephew in law and farming buddy, Clifford P. Daigle.

Funeral Services will be held on November 13 at 3PM at Homeland Cemetery, Middle Ridge Road, Bridgton, next to his beloved wife.

The family would like to thank Peter and Michelle DelVecchio for the care and meals they provided David, and for always checking in on him. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. To make an online condolence please visit www. chandlerfuenrals.com