William Kernahan Thomas



William Kernahan Thomas (February 15, 1911 – March 20, 2001) was a United States federal judge.

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.