May 11, 2005--Olan R. Thomas, 81, of Newark died May 9 at his home.

Mr. Thomas worked at the University of Delaware from 1970 until he retired in 1987 as the University’s collections manager.

He lived in Newark his entire life, graduating from Newark High School in 1941. After briefly attending Goldey Business School, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 and was later deployed to the South Pacific. Stationed in Guam with the 20th Air Force, he served as a member of the ground crew, preparing bombers for combat missions.

Mr. Thomas returned to Newark in December 1945 and joined the sales staff of the former Continental Diamond Fibre (later the Budd Co.).

Mr. Thomas joined Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder in 1947 and remained active in fire and ambulance service for six decades. He served for four years as the company president and also was the deputy chief for a time. A member and former president of the Delaware State Fire Chief's Association and the New Castle County Firemen's Association, he served on the Governor's Fire Prevention Committee and earned a Delaware State Fire School Lifetime Instructor Certificate. He was sworn in as a member of the Fire Police in 1987 and remained "8-9B" until his retirement from active duty in December 2003.

One of Mr. Thomas’ most significant contributions to local fire service and community history was the "Company History Book" which he wrote to chronicle the story of Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder from 1888-1988 for the company's 100th anniversary celebration. For his great dedication to fire service, he was honored by his Aetna colleagues with the title of "Fire Fighter Emeritus" in 2004.

In 1964, Mr. Thomas was elected to the Newark City Council and remained a councilman for 30 years, serving a total of 13 terms. He was a member of many city committees and chaired the Memorial Day committee. He also served as Newark's deputy mayor, was a member of the Main Policy Committee of the National League of Cities and served a term as the president of the Delaware League of Local Governments. In appreciation for his many years of service to Newark, Olan R. Thomas Park on Cleveland Avenue was dedicated in 1996.

Mr. Thomas was a member of St. John's/Holy Angels parish and a life member of the Newark Historical Society.

His wife, Lorraine, died in 2002. He is survived by a son, Robert O. Thomas, and his wife, Jeanette, of Newark; daughter, Jean M. Thomas of Wilmington; daughter, Mary Louise McDowell, and her husband, Robert C., of Newark; three grandchildren, Robert O. Thomas Jr., Kathryn M. McDowell and Sarah E. McDowell; and a brother, Meredith B. Thomas Jr. of Newark and his family.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m., Friday, May 13, at the Aetna Fire Hall, 400 Ogletown Rd., Newark. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 14, at Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, 82 Possum Park Rd., Newark. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder, P.O. Box 7862, Newark, DE 19714.

To send condolences, visit [www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com].