Thomas K. Thomas Jr., who served grieving Palmerton families for five decades, as well as the community at large, has died, according to family members. He was 77.

Thomas operated the T.K. Thomas funeral home in the borough for 38 years, along with his wife of 52 years, Carol. They retired in 2002. Their daughter and son-in-law run it today.His friend and neighbor, Dr. John Nicholson, recalled the compassion with which he approached the job."He was one of the kindest, most considerate passionate persons that I have known. He always tried to deal with the families as compassionately as possible, and make things as easy for them at that difficult time, as he could," Nicholson said.But Thomas also had a deep passion for serving the community, specifically efforts that benefited local children.At different points Thomas was in charge of several local service organizations - the Palmerton Exchange Club, Palmerton Lions Club and the Carbon County Heart Association Fund drive.He was also a national guardsman and a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite of Free and Accepted Masons.His wife, Carol, recalled that it was Thomas' desire to support the children of Palmerton that led him to serve in so many local organizations."They sponsored awards and scholarships for children, and he was very involved in doing anything to help the schoolchildren," she said.Each year Thomas could be seen serving up sausage sandwiches at the West End Fair for the Exchange Club, or waffles and ice cream at Palmerton Community Days for the Lions.Anna Strohl, a former president of the Exchange Club, recalled that Thomas was a friend to the Palmerton community."He and Carol were very instrumental in working at the stand so we could support the town in many things," she said.Thomas was known for his love of flying small planes, and his sports cars, however family members say that his favorite activity was spending time with his family.Longtime friend Joe Evans recalled that he wasn't afraid to cut a rug with Carol when they were out at social events."We used to dance quite a bit, when we were younger," he recalled.As a funeral director, Thomas often had to help Palmerton residents on some of their most difficult days.After he retired, his daughter Debbie and son-in-law Richard Taylor took over the business.Taylor said that his father-in-law didn't just have "people skills," he legitimately cared about the families that he served as a funeral director."People trusted them because they knew that Tom and Carol would treat them as though they were looking after one of their own," Taylor said. "That's what they've passed onto their daughter Debbie and I."Services for Thomas will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the T.K. Thomas Funeral Home, 145 Delaware Ave.Thomas' full obituary can be found on Page 4.