Thomas and Wable honored at luncheon

Lora Thomas
Little United Methodist Church’s Friendship Hall in Middlebourne was host to the Tyler County Courthouse and associates Christmas luncheon on Tuesday
A delicious, home cooked meal was served by the ladies of the United Methodist Church to courthouse employees, local attorneys, county commission officials, Governor’s representative Dottie Underwood, Judge Mark Karl, and other guests.
Following the meal, Deputy Assessor Patty Weekley introduced Dottie Underwood who presented outgoing County Commissioner Robert Wable and retiring County Clerk Lora Thomas with certificates of appreciation from the governor’s office. Underwood also noted that U.S. Senator Joe Manchin expressed his thanks to them.
Gifts were presented to Wable and Thomas from courthouse staffers. A railroad conductor’s hat and railroad-themed clock were presented to Wable, who is a collector of trains. A quilted purse and quilt rack were presented to Mrs. Thomas, who is an avid quilter.
“Thank you for everything. I’m really going to miss you all. I really appreciate everything,” stated Wable upon receiving his certificate.

Robert Wable
Lora Thomas is retiring as county clerk after twelve years of service, and over 28 years total as a courthouse employee. She is a Tyler County native and Tyler County High School graduate. Formerly employed by Union Carbide, Thomas left the job market for some time to raise her family and re-entered the workforce at the courthouse. Starting in the circuit clerk’s office, she worked in bookkeeping and payroll before assuming her duties as county clerk. When asked about her retirement, Thomas stated, “Working in this office has been a challenging job. It’s very diverse. I’ll miss the people I worked with, and the people who came into our office the most. And I’ll miss the work itself.”
Mrs. Thomas is the widow of the late Kenneth Thomas, who was a local dairy farmer. Together they raised three children, Grace (Jon) Grover, Kenny (Patricia) Thomas, and Sarah (James) Webb. She has four grandchildren, Cullen and Evan Grover, and Caleb and Jeremiah Boley.
Robert Wable is stepping down as Tyler County Commissioner after 30 years of dedicated service to his community. A Tyler County native, he graduated from Sistersville High School and The Ohio State University with a degree in physical education and biology. He is the owner of Wable Ford in Sistersville. He and his wife Martha “Martie” Wable are the parents of three children, Dorinda “Rindy” Wable Camerlin, and Bob and Scott Wable. They have six grandchildren; Brian, Chris and Meagan Camerlin, and Trent, Troy and Allison Wable. They are also great-grandparents to Belle and Sean Camerlin and Brady Camerlin.
When asked to pinpoint some of the more noteworthy aspects of his 30 years as commissioner, Wable stated,”Just getting through the year financially is a major accomplishment.” He added that he would “miss all the people at the courthouse very much.”
Wable will continue to head the Ford dealership in Sistersville, adding he may find time to play some golf.
- Robert Wable