Michael Patrick Thomas, 61, of Little Orleans, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at UPMC Western Maryland in Cumberland.

He fought to conquer his disease of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) since 2021.

He battled valiantly, and he was so very close to receiving a lung transplant.

Because he had such a personal understanding of the importance of organ donation, he wanted to provide the gift of hope and life to others by donating his organs.

The incredible people of UPMC and Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland worked together to grant Michael's wish for others to come true.

Michael was born on March 16, 1961, to the late Dr. Frank B Thomas III and Marion Reich Thomas of Hancock.

He was the third of nine children, five boys and four girls.

Michael attended St. Mary Catholic School and St. Maria Goretti Catholic High School in Hagerstown.

He transferred to Hancock Senior High School and played on the football team before graduating in 1979.

After 35 years of service, Michael retired from the Maryland Department of Corrections.

He started as a CO1 and retired as Chief of Security.

Along the way, Michael made many lifelong friendships.

Michael enjoyed riding his motorcycle, camping at The River Lot 29, visiting The Outer Banks in North Carolina, and hunting at Kenny Johnson's Deer Camp.

He also enjoyed being at the Lake House with his friend, Stuart Mosier, riding his tractor, and tinkering in the garage with his father-in-law, Dale Smith, and friend, Jesse Mills.

Sharing crazy, yet true, stories was a favorite activity.

There was never a dull moment when Michael was around!

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Angela Smith Thomas; his children whom he loved so much, Chelsea Thomas, of Ridgeley, W.Va., Patrick Thomas and wife, Samantha, of Cockeysville, Anna Thomas, of Hancock, Jeremiah Thomas and Shawn Thomas, at home, Tiffany Hovermale and husband, Levi, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., and Deseree Trail and husband, Albert, of Hedgesville, W.Va.

He is also survived by his wonderful siblings, Marion (Li'l Marion) Lane, of Waynesville, N.C., Theresa Pittman and Rosemarie Horz, both of Hancock, Charles Thomas and wife, Elizabeth, of Annapolis, Paul Thomas and wife, Kathy, of Williamsport, Elizabeth Woltemath and husband, Brian, of Virginia Beach, Va.; sister-in-law, Tania Thomas, of Williamsport, Pa.; and his former wife, Linda Flowers.

His father and mother-in-law, Dale and Linda Smith, of Hancock, and his sister-in-law, Lynda Carbaugh and husband, Jim, of Needmore, Pa., also survive Michael.

Michael was "Granddad" to Matthew Mellott, Emberlyn Knotts, Katie and Wyatt Twigg, Lucy Thomas, Zana and Leo Rose, and Gunner Hovermale.

He had 25 nieces and nephews, 38 great-nieces and nephews, as well as numerous extended family members and close friends.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank B. Thomas IV and Dr. Ralph Thomas; grandchildren, Dylan Knotts and Layla Twigg; and brothers-in-law, Dr. Christopher Lane and Maxwell Horz Jr.

Visitation will be at Grove Funeral Home, 141 West Main St., Hancock, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:15 p.m., as well as one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church, 16 E. High Street, Hancock, on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 1 p.m.

Celebrant will be Father Alan Thomas, Michael's cousin, with Father Jack Lombardi and Deacon James Mason.

A reception and lunch will follow in the Parish Hall. All are invited.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Splendor of Truth Radio, 32404 Sleepy Hideaway Lane, Little Orleans, MD 21766.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Grove Funeral Home, Hancock.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.grovefh.com.