Douglas Paton Thomas “Doug”

September 28, 1947 - December 5, 2020

Douglas Paton Thomas “Doug”, 73, a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 2008, formerly of Fryeburg, ME, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 5, 2020 in Fort Myers, FL. He was born in Middleboro, MA to the late George and Marjorie Thomas. Doug was preceded in death by two siblings, Bradford Thomas and Dorothy Thomas.

He attended and graduated from Middleboro High. After high school he joined the Navy and proudly served as a Combat Corpsman with the Marines in Vietnam.  He was severely injured in the line of duty and medically evacuated to Japan and eventually back stateside to Chelsea Hospital in Boston to recover. He was awarded two purple hearts for his combat related injuries and was honorably discharged from the Navy. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Johnson and Wales University.

Doug married his beloved wife of 48 years, Marilyn Thomas of East Bridgewater in 1972.  They settled in Middleboro and then moved to Fryeburg, ME for 30 years where they raised their family. Eventually they retired to Florida where he enjoyed spending time with his wife, treasure hunting at yard-sales and fishing.

Doug will be remembered for his patriotism, love for family and unforgettable sense of humor. Throughout his life his character was larger than life. His wife, children and grandchildren will be forever grateful for his unconditional love and support.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Thomas of Cape Coral; three loving children, Meredith Mansfield (Marc) of Andover, MA, Beth Folger (Scott) of Westford, MA, and Michael Thomas of Cape Coral; brother, Gregory Thomas (Bonnie) of Goose Creek, SC; grandchildren, Madison, Mason, Bradford, and Audriana; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

There will not be any services held in FL.

“My hubby, my boyfriend, my best friend…I will forever love you.” ~ Marilyn Thomas

Memorial Contributions in memory of Douglas Paton Thomas are suggested to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) www.ihelpveterans.org., 1232 Market Circle, #2b, Port Charlotte, FL 333953.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Bill Doiron Dec 9, 2020 at 11:19 am

    So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with Beth and the entire Thomas family.

  2. Nancy Calvert Dec 9, 2020 at 11:35 am

    We are so very sorry. Doug was a great guy, always could make you laugh. Our thoughts and prayers to everyone.
    Nancy and Fred Calvert

  3. Amy Stern Dec 9, 2020 at 11:48 am

    So very sorry for your loss 🙁
    I will always remember him riding his bike with Marilyn around Fryeburg 💐
    God bless❤️

  4. Karen Grey Dec 9, 2020 at 12:33 pm

    Larry and I send our deepest condolences. Will always smile when remembering Doug and all the dances.

  5. Maria Lack Dec 9, 2020 at 12:38 pm

    My sincere condolences to Beth and the entire Thomas family. Praying for you all during this difficult time.

  6. Ralph and Cheryl Finney Dec 9, 2020 at 12:51 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Beth and the entire Thomas family..

  7. Dick and Cathy Cote Dec 9, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    Our condolences to Marilyn and family. Doug was such a good friend and we think of you often. Quack, Quack my friend !!

  8. Patricia Heath Dec 9, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    Please accept my sincere sympathy. Doug was one of the nicest and funniest guys I’ve known. Patty Childs Heath

  9. Fran O'Neill Dec 9, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    So sorry for your loss My prayers are with all of you

  10. Maria Kenny Dec 9, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    So very sorry for your loss.i always loved seeing him and he
    always made me laugh.the world will be less bright and merry without him.😭😭

  11. Nancy Mills Dec 9, 2020 at 1:18 pm

    I am terribly sorry for the loss of your loved one.
    Doug will be remembered here in Fryeburg especially when he owned and operated Jockey Cap store. He had an amazing personality and strong love for his family.

  12. Rick Prange Dec 9, 2020 at 1:36 pm

    Very sorry for your family’s loss. My thoughts are with you all.

  13. Ed & Betsy Bonello Dec 9, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    We are so saddened to hear of Doug”s passing. He had the best sense of humor and always had us laughing. He
    also made the best pizza in Fryeburg at Waddle’s.

  14. Naureen Sparling Sylvester Dec 9, 2020 at 1:39 pm

    Mal and family, am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  15. George & Mary Lynne Mitford Dec 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm

    Marilyn and family, We were deeply saddened to receive the news of Doug’s passing… We will always remember his jovial personality…. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

  16. Paul Condon Dec 9, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    Mal, sorry to hear of the passing of Doug. Just hearing his name brings back a flood of memories of the good old days

  17. Oreo Cookie Dec 9, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Will miss him dearly! Quack! quack! Waddles Pizza! Just one of many memories of Doug! Till we meet again Paw!

  18. George & Mary Lynne Mitford Dec 9, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Marilyn and family, We were deeply saddened to hear of Doug’s sudden passing. We will always remember his jovial personality. Please know we are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.

  19. Bonnie Wile Dec 9, 2020 at 3:56 pm

    Marilyn,
    Sincere condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏

  20. Betty (Reardon) King Dec 9, 2020 at 4:39 pm

    So sorry for your loss Mal. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all.

  21. Alton & Cindy Dec 9, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    So sorry to hear this news. Definitely will always remember Doug flying by on his golf cart with passengers going to the fair!! And, also his (honey hole) at a nearby pond!!

  22. Arthur Parmenter Jr Dec 9, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    Sorry to hear this he was a funny man made good pizzas to

  23. Scott Folger Dec 9, 2020 at 5:50 pm

    Doug, its been a few days and I still can’t believe you are gone. It was an honor to be your son-in-law! I’ll miss your amazing sense of humor, endless stories, and most importantly your love for family. You will never be forgotten!

  24. Pamela Blair Stone Dec 9, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family, Mal. May God bless you.

  25. Mary Mayer Meserve Dec 9, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    My sincere sympathy in your loss. May your memories leave a smile on your face and his love in your heart. Much strength

  26. Joy Mondeau Lovell Dec 9, 2020 at 7:32 pm

    Sorry to hear of your loss. I am a friend of Ginny and Joe. Joy Mondeau Lovell EBHS ’63

  27. Ronald T. Folger Dec 9, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    My sincerest heartfelt condolences to the Thomas family. I will always cherish Doug’s jovial smile and miss his hearth laughter. May he rest in God’s Eternal peace.🙏🙏🙏🙏

  28. Shara,Steven and Casey Smith Dec 9, 2020 at 7:51 pm

    And NOBODY made an Italian like Doug.pure artistry. Not only did he provide food but lots of entertainment .So sorry for his passing and for the loss for all who knew him.This family was such an addition when they moved into Fryeburg.When I pass the houses they owned( especially the one where we saw ” the man and his moon”one Fair season long ago) In this great town I always think of them.God Bless

  29. Suzanne Nelson Dec 10, 2020 at 12:37 am

    My heartfelt condolences for Doug’s family. His presence always made me smile. ❤️

  30. Cheryl Adkins Dec 10, 2020 at 7:19 am

    Oh my I am so sorry to hear this.
    My condolences to Marilyn and the entire family. Rest in peace Doug and thank you for protecting my freedom.
    Cheryl Adkins
    C.C. neighbor

  31. Margaret Eastman Dec 10, 2020 at 8:26 am

    I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Whenever we hear Doug’s name we instantly had a smile because he was such a great guy and wonderful sense of humor. Gone but not forgotten.

  32. Betsy Hopler Dec 10, 2020 at 8:33 am

    I am so sorry, he was an amazing man and will be truly missed by everyone one who knew him. RIP Chester Bullfinch

  33. Dan and Debbie Barrett Dec 10, 2020 at 8:43 am

    So sorry to hear about the passing of Doug. Not a day goes by when we don’t think of our Dads and all the great things they did and lessons they taught us. We really think our parents live on in us. We’ve planted a tree in Israel as a living tribute.

    Warm Regards,

    Dan and Debbie Barrett

  34. Linda Sampson Ford Dec 10, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    So very for you and the family’s loss. May He RIP

  35. A.G. Tan Dec 11, 2020 at 9:27 am

    I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I only met Doug a couple of times but it was clear how his family meant everything to him. Deepest condolences to you all.

  36. Laura Naughton Dec 12, 2020 at 8:27 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Doug as a kind, funny, and caring man. He is missed here in Fryeburg!!! My heart and prayers go out to all the family.

  37. Sue Frost Dec 12, 2020 at 10:29 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Doug was a good guy and he made the best pizza ever. I hope your many happy memories will be a comfort to you and yours.

  38. Marjorie Dewhurst Dec 12, 2020 at 11:16 am

    Marilyn, so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose half of your life, your friend, love, companion and so much more.

  39. Priscilla Lewis Dec 12, 2020 at 11:57 am

    So sorry for your loss.
    Doug was so funny.
    I worked at a bank and one day we were super busy , and the phone kept ringing and ringing.
    So Doug got out of ine came behind the counter and answered it.
    It was the PRESIDENT of the bank. He was not a Happy camper about it. Lol
    I have always remembered that . I thought it was funny. He always made us laugh.
    My prayers are with you.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  40. Caleb Hopler Dec 12, 2020 at 12:38 pm

    Many great times I spent with Doug & Bert. Very sorry to hear.

  41. Al & Vicki Melendez Dec 13, 2020 at 10:10 am

    We are so sorry for your loss and will remember that long entertaining garage “shopping session” just before we moved. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.

  42. Clyde and Twyla Dec 17, 2020 at 10:06 am

    Thoughts and prayers to the family at this time. Never a dull moment when he was around for sure!

  43. Judy (Cowan) Prinzo Dec 17, 2020 at 8:59 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I fondly remember babysitting for the Thomas’ when I was a teen and they were our neighbors. They were great friends of my folks, Louise and Larry Cowan. I always remember Doug being happy and funny and an all around great guy! My condolences to Mal and his children.

  44. Candy DeArruda Dec 18, 2020 at 11:08 am

    Doug,
    We greive the loss of our friend and Classmate with the great smile and great sense of humor.
    Our condolences to Mel, and the family.
    RIP Doug.

  45. Cheryl Graham Dec 18, 2020 at 11:38 am

    So very, very sorry to hear this news. I last saw him with my late husband, Steve Graham at his house in Cape Coral in November of 2011, shortly before Steve passed away. He was a classmate and friend to both of us. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  46. Debbie Graham Blais Dec 18, 2020 at 11:50 am

    Marilyn and family ,
    So very sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. He and Steve loved each other…. maybe they can share a beer together.
    Thinking of you all and remembering Doug’s humor
    Debbie Graham Blais

  47. Dick D’Elia Dec 18, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    Very very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing…brings back many memories hearing his name! Condolences to his wife, children and the rest of his family!!!

  48. Linda Trauterman Dec 18, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    So sorry to hear of Dougs passing. Memories of his VW bus and hanging out at Lorenzos in the Boro. Condolences to his family and love ones.

  49. Dave Thomas Dec 19, 2020 at 2:46 pm

    Doug and I went to school in Middleborough. Doug had a way of bringing a small to your face. Even win you as mad as hell at him, by the time we parted both of us would be laughing. So sorry to hear of his passing. Doug and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  50. June Erickson Dec 23, 2020 at 11:10 pm

    One of my great memories from High School—Always a comedian, Nice guy.

  51. Ron belrose Mar 24, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    So sorry for your loss worked with Doug at nemasket construction his company call was car5 so for now Doug over and out truck 59

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