Michael K. Thomas, born September 23 ^rd , 1944, in Cincinnati, OH, went home to be with the Lord on October 15 ^th , 2020.  He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family.  He leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Donna D. Thomas, of Panama City, FL.  He also leaves behind ​​his son, Tom Valentine (Kim) and grand-children Thomas and Faith Valentine, all of ​​Fairfax, VA.  He leaves his daughter Tara VanEst (Eric) of Columbus, IN, and their five​​ children: Brooke England of Panama City, FL; Michael England; Brenna England; Elum VanEst; and​​ Marley VanEst, all of Columbus, IN.  He is also survived by his sister, Debbie Josey (Ben); brother Pete Thomas (Cheryl); brother Spencer Thomas (Tina); sister Kristie Scott (Dewey); and numerous well-loved nieces and nephews.

Michael, better known as Mike or "PaPa", met his beloved wife Donna (Dee) when he was stationed ​​at Tyndall Air Force Base in 1965.  As a devoted patriot, Mike served honorably in the US Air Force for four years, including an overseas tour in South Korea during the incident involving capture of the USS Pueblo in 1968.  After returning home, he later married​​ Donna (Dee) and they relocated to Columbus, Indiana, in 1973 for a position with Cummins Engine​​ Company.  During his 32 years of service, Mike made many life-long friends whom he regretted leaving behind​​ upon retirement.

In 2001, Mike and Dee relocated to his wife's birthplace in Panama City, Florida, to be closer to her extended family.  Mike then took a position with Beard Equipment,​​ where he served another 15 years, still working up until three months prior to ​​his death.  Mike enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing, of which he owned multiple models.  He had to quit riding ​​in recent years due to failing sight, but didn't want to yet let his beloved motorcycle go.  It sat in the ​​garage untouched, where it became a family joke until his recent health decline, and he graciously gifted the motorcycle to his grandson and namesake, Michael England, who shares his love of engines ​​and working as a mechanic.​ In 2017, Mike and Donna's oldest granddaughter, Brooke, joined them at their residence after graduating ​​high school, where she resides currently while attending Gulf Coast College.

Mike also enjoyed fishing (both fresh and saltwater), working on home-improvement projects, going to the local coffee shop each morning, and spending time with his ​​wife, children and grandchildren, who lovingly call him "PaPa".  Mike was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.  He was a wonderful role-model for his children and grandchildren, instilling in them a tireless work ethic, deep sense of integrity, and compassion for those less fortunate.  Mike is known for always putting his family's needs first, being a wonderful provider and loving his children and grandchildren fiercely.  ​

Mike and his family have chosen for him to be cremated, and he will be laid to rest at a final resting place with his wife at a later time.  There will be a private family service to mourn his loss.​​  In lieu of flowers or gifts, Mike would prefer a donation be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Hospital, or to the Animal Rescue Center in Panama City, Florida, where they ​​adopted their most recent canine baby, Ellie.  Information for this rescue can be located at ​​http://AdoptBay.org/​.  Mike will be dearly missed and loved by many friends and family, in whose hearts he will live forever.