John W. Thomas Jr., 62, of Mathews, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2011.

He was a member of Oriental Lodge #20 A.F.&A.M., president of Tidewater Shrine Club, and a member of Khedive Temple. John received the Patrick Henry Award from the Governor of Virginia in 2001, for service to justice and good government. He was owner of Thomas & Associates Insurance, LUTCF, Gloucester, Va.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Cannon Thomas.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Hutson Thomas, and extended family: two daughters, Angela T. Schmook and husband Kevin of Florida, Alison T. Northup and husband Larry of Gloucester; son, J.W. Thomas III and wife Nancy of Florida; six grandchildren, Quinton Ellington, Maggie Schmook, Abbie Schmook, Cameron Northup, Kendall Northup, and Lauren Hawes.

The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2011, at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, in the funeral home chapel. Burial with Masonic rites followed in Friendship Cemetery, Susan.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tidewater Shrine Club, c/o Mark Cook, P.O. Box 334, Hayes Va. 23072.