Sea Scouts performed a guard of honour at the funeral of their skipper, the late Joe Thomas in Bride Street Church. Pic: Jim Campbell

A HUGE crowd attended the funeral of well-known local postman and Sea Scout leader Joe Thomas who sadly passed away on Friday.

Mr. Thomas (56), from Bernadette Place, passed away at Wexford General Hospital after a short illness, surrounded by his friends and family.

A well-known figure in Wexford town, his name is synonymous with the Sea Scouts and with An Post, where he worked for over 20 years.

He joined the Sea Scouts at a young age, when the organisation first began, and was a lifelong member, eventually taking over as Leader and earning the nickname of ‘Skipper’ which is passed through from leader to leader.

Prior to joining An Post, he had worked as a helper and milkman for Snowcream which was situated in George’s Street.

He was described as a man who loved the sea, the scouts and general maritime activity. Tributes poured in for the popular Sea Scout from groups and branches across the country.

He was laid to rest in St. Ibar’s Cemetery on Monday afternoon. Both An Post and the Sea Scouts performed a Guard of Honour at Bride Street Church.

He is survived by his siblings: Richard, Francis, Patricia, Joan and Monica, deeply regretted by his loving family, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunt, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

The Echo extends its sympathy to the bereaved.