Elbert Thomason

Elbert A. Thomason, 84, of Smithland died at 1:30 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2015, at Lourdes hospital.
He was a long-time member of Smithland First Baptist Church. He retired after 38 years in management with South Central Bell, serving in Paducah, Hopkinsville and Murray. He was a member of the Smithland Masonic Lodge 138. He was also instrumental in organizing the Civil Defense Unit in Livingston County and was involved in several other community and civic organizations.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Z. Thomason; two sons, Joe A. Thomason of Smithland and Jim F. Thomason of Hopkinsville; one sister, Jean Belcher of Henderson; three grandsons; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers. His parents were Vernie Franklin and Maude Sexton Thomason.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015, at Smith Funeral Chapel in Smithland, with Rev. Brian Arnold and David Thomason officiating. Burial will follow in Smithland Cemetery.
Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2015, at the funeral home, with Masonic Rites at 7 p.m.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101.
Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements