Ernst Henry Thoms

Ernst Henry Thoms, age 88, of Anderson, South Carolina, passed away on March 5, 2026, at Rainey Hospice House. Born on May 25, 1937, in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of the late Ernst Joseph Thoms and Grete Göllner Thoms, both of Hannover, Germany. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Anne Thoms.

A graduate of Fairmont High School Class of 1955 in Kettering, Ohio, Ernie played football and ran track and remained connected with his classmates throughout his life. He loved the outdoors and all sports, enjoying camping, water skiing, basketball leagues, and regularly attending the World Senior Volleyball Championships in Utah. A proud United States Air Force veteran, he was a Mason with the Riverview Lodge in Dayton and a faithful, active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served as chairperson of the Property Committee. He pursued college classes while working for NCR Corporation, retiring after more than 40 years of service. He took great interest in collecting breweriana and local historic artifacts, and as his sons grew, he served as a Boy Scout Master and Westside High School Booster.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Jeanette B. Thoms; sons Keith H. Thoms (Lisa) and Darrell E. Thoms (Lynda); brothers Thomas G. Thoms (Paulette) and Rudolf A. Thoms (Carolyn); and grandchildren Aubrianne, Amelia, and Ainsley.