Peyton Siddall "Sid" Thomas

Peyton Siddall  (Sid) Thomas, age 91, of Shelby  passed away peacefully  Friday, June 23, 2017 at his home.  Born May 26, 1926 in Shelby to Peyton Wade and Helen Ruth (Siddall) Thomas he had spent his youth in Plymouth, Ohio. He graduated from Plymouth High School where he played basketball and six man football. He participated in the Boy Scouts and was one of the first of three young men to become an Eagle Scout in Richland County. 

Following graduation in 1944 he enlisted in  the United States Army and arrived in Germany January 1945 serving in the ETO with the 84th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. Later he was transfered to the Adjutant General's Section where he worked as a NCO, Tech 4, at a Publications Distribution Depot in Bensheim, Germany from September of 1945 until March of 1946.  He was honorably discharged July 5, 1946.

Upon his return he worked with his father, Peyton Wade, editor and publisher of the weekly paper, The Plymouth Advertiser for a year before he entered Kent State University in 1947. He earned a Bachelor Degree in Journalism and Business from Kent State University in 1951. 

He married  Jundadele Smith  May 28, 1955 and is also survived by his children Joann T. (James) Hipsher of Shelby and Barton L. Thomas and Lisa of Mansfield; two grandchildren Adrianne Hipsher of Denver, CO and Kyle (Caitlin) Hipsher of Dallas, Texas; his sister Mary Ellen Henry of Shelby; three nieces,  Leslie Henry of Cleveland, Terry (Gary) Hammond of Gahanna and Martha (Sam) Burrer of Willard. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Dan Henry. 

In 1949, his father along with V.L. Buckman purchased a printing operation that was located above the Shelby Daily Globe. In 1951 Sid joined his father at 17 Washington St. to actively manage Shelby Printing, Inc.  In 1978, the business was sold to Shelby Mutual Insurance Company. Sid purchased the business back from Allegany Corporation in 1990, enlisting four current employees and a new partnership was established. Sid retired in 1991. 

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Shelby. 

Sid joined the Shelby Rotary Club in 1958, had  served as President and was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award. He became interested in the local Rotary Youth Exchange Program for a number of years and was appointed to the position of Outbound Chair for Rotary District #6600. He held that position for many years, retiring from the Rotary Organization after 50 plus years of service.  He was also a longtime member and past President of the Shelby Ad Club. He was also a longtime member of the Shelby Y.M.C.A. 

He enjoyed traveling, making many trips to Europe with his sister and daughter and also was joined by his grandchildren. It gave him great pleasure to visit several of the exchange students that had spent time in Shelby. He had also traveled on multiple train trips with his friend Phil Pearson in the US and Canada. He was an avid reader and lover of poetry. Other pastimes included tennis and racquetball, which he had to discontinue in his 80's due to health issues. He also enjoyed the company of his good friends in Euchre Club for over 50 years. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  

Sid will be forever in the hearts of his family. 

Friends may call  at the Barkdull Funeral Home and Crematory Wednesday June 28, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Shelby Rotary Club or the Richland County Humane Society. 

 Service Information