Clarence "Hillbilly" DeWight Thomas, 71 of Elyria passed away after a long illness Saturday January 4 , 2014 at his residence with his family by his side. Clarence was born October 29 ,1942 in Hazelton, West Virginia, and attended Bruceton High School in Bruceton , West Virginia. He was employed by Ford Motor Co. for over 33 years. He was a member of Moose Lodge and UAW local 425. Clarence had many interests including auto repair , self-made mechanic , playing cards , avid fisherman , love of his neighborhood, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Survivors include his wife of 52 years Elizabeth (nee Early), daughters Michelle Thomas of Columbia Station , Oh, Christine Thomas of Columbia Station , Oh, Becky (Bill) Wright of Camden Township , Oh, sons Kenneth (Dotty) of Camden township, Oh, Dale (Denise) of Garfield Hts., Oh, Jamie of Elyria, Oh, Matthew (DeAnna) of Elyria , Oh, brother David (Esther) of Gormania, West, Virginia, grandchildren Steven , Wesley , Corey , Nikki , Heather , Debra , Danielle , Jessie , Andrew , Kayla ,Billy , Chelsea , Breonna , Devin , Abbey , Logan , KaeLynn , Lily , Brittney , and Lindsey, great-grandchildren Clarise , Morgan , Clifford , Cheyenne , Dylan , Kyra ,and Aubrey. many nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Lulu ( nee Spiker ), brothers Franklin and Robert, sister Jessie Mae, grandchildren Bub , Ashley , and Destiny. Family will receive friends 5-8PM Wednesday January 8 , 2014 at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. ( at St. Rt. 57 ), where funeral services will be held 12noon Thursday January 9 , 2014. Pastor Chuck Behrens chaplain of Hospice of the Western Reserve will officiate. Burial Resthaven Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers family suggests those who wish may make contributions to the American Heart Association NE Ohio affiliate 1689 E. 115th Street Cleveland , Ohio 44106. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com. Service: 12Noon Thursday January 9 , 2014 Laubenthal- Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria ,Ohio Visitation: 5-8PM Wednesday January 8 , 2014 Laubenthal- Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Seervice 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria ,Ohio