Background
Thomas, William Kernahan was born on February 15, 1911 in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
Thomas, William Kernahan was born on February 15, 1911 in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
Bachelor of Arts, Ohio State University, 1932;Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor, Ohio State University, 1935.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Thomas received a B.A. from Ohio State University in 1932 and a J.D. from Ohio State University College of Law in 1935. He was in private practice in Cleveland, Ohio from 1935 to 1944. He was a U.S. Naval Reserve Lieutenant during World War II, from 1944 to 1946.
He was in private practice in Cleveland, Ohio from 1946 to 1950. He was a judge on the Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Ohio from 1950 to 1953. He was a judge on the Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County, Ohio from 1953 to 1966.
Thomas was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Thomas was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson on January 19, 1966, to a seat vacated by Paul J. Jones. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 4, 1966, and received his commission on March 7, 1966.
He assumed senior status on February 15, 1981. Thomas served in that capacity until his death, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Served with United States Naval Reserve, 1944-1946. Member Common Pleas Judges Association (president 1959-1960), National Conference State Trial Judges (chairman sociopathic offender committee 1963-1966), 6th Circuit District Judges Association (president 1981-1982), Judicial Conference United States (committee on administration bankruptcy system 1968-1971, committee on operation of jury system in the United States 1971-1977, subcommittee on fair trial free press since 1977), Ohio State Bar Association (Ohio Bar medal 1994).
Married Dorothy Good, 1936 (deceased). Children: John R., Richard G., Stephen G., Cynthia G.