Joe Thomas, Sr. served his country and his community for over 60 years. During WWII 1st Lt. Thomas served with the 458 Bomber Group/396th Squadron in the Army Air Corp. As a bombardier flying in a B-24, Mr. Thomas flew in 30 missions over the Ardennes, Rhineland, Northern France, and Central Europe, which earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war Mr. Thomas taught at District 84 schools and Leyden High Schools as a coach and teacher for 33 years. Mr. Thomas was elected as a Village Trustee and Village Clerk for several terms and finished his public service as a Leyden Township Trustee.