"John was a very gentle soul, a gentle man; soft-spoken, kind, with a generous warm smile. I knew him as a client where I worked for many years, and as a co-worker at a couple of election polling spots in Madison. We always had nice conversations when we'd meet up. My husband knew John as an eye patient of his, and also enjoyed visiting with him when he came in for his eye exams. We're very sorry he's not with us anymore, and hope that our memories of him will help his family know what a special person he was to others who knew him."
In loving memory of
John R. Thomas
April 24, 1926 - July 4, 2015
Madison - John Thomas born into Eternal Life on July 4th, 2015, age 89 years old. Born on April 24th, 1926 in Toledo, Ohio to Glen Thomas and Emma (Muerner) Thomas. Graduate from Libbey High School, Toledo, OH. He joined the Army June 9, 1945 and served in the occupation of Japan with his unit being headquartered in Nagasaki. He was Honorably Discharged as a Second Lieutenant, January 22, 1947. He graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, June 11, 1951, serving as an Adjutant in Germany and was Honorably Discharged as a First Lieutenant, May 27, 1953. He married Marjorie (Norwood) Thomas on October 13, 1951. He worked as a chemical engineer for Dewey and Almy Chemical Co., Johnson Controls and Ray O Vac. He was a member of Toastmasters and Kiwanis. He was an avid euchre and duplicate bridge player. He enjoyed fishing, skiing, camping and canoeing with his family. He was the dear father of Eric (Sally) Thomas (Brookfield, WI), Elizabeth Harrigan (Hudson, WI) and Marilyn (Jack) Henrich (Cottage Grove, WI). He was the loving grandfather of Joseph (Annie) Thomas, William Thomas, and Jessica (Ryan) Huenink, Michael Harrigan, and Connor Harrigan, Tammy Schroedel, Sheli Sherman, Sabrina (Eric) Wagner, Danny McCarty, and Isabelle Henrich, and great grandfather to Logan, Camryn, Jenna, Jerrica, Jacklyn, Elizabeth, Ashley, Kylee, Logan, and Lexi. He was the dearest brother to Joan (Richard) Mercer (Forest Park, OH), James (Marsha) Thomas (Niceville, FL) and beloved brother in law to Persis Betts (Raleigh, North Carolina), Betty Thomas (Toledo OH), and Jean Thomas (Ypsilanti, Michigan) . He is preceded in death by his loving wife Marjorie, his brothers Bill and David Thomas. He was the faithful staff to his cat "Flash". John is further survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews, and countless friends. The family wishes to extend their gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff of Sebring Assisted Living and Agrace Hospice Care for their loving care. A visitation will be held Friday July 10, 2015 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI. from 4:00pm-6:00pm. A memorial service will be held Saturday July 11, 2015 at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 203 Wisconsin Ave. Madison, WI, at 10:00am with a visitation at 9:00am, luncheon to follow. We will be celebrating dad's life, and since dad was color blind and won't know if you are wearing black, we want people to have the option of wearing Badger Red as he loved Badger sports and music.
Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
608-238-3434
Please share your memories at
www.CressFuneralService.com
Tributes
"John was a good friend as well as a good Kiwanian. Each year he would help with the ushering at the Christmas Pageant sponsored by our Kiwanis club. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle In his eye. What a wonderful person, he will be missed very much. "
"God Bless the Family of John Thomas. He will forever be remembered. Matthew 5:3-8 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God". from the Bible."
"Our heartfelt sympathies to the entire family. We are sadden to hear of your loss. May you find solace in the love and memories shared together and may God comfort you with these words from the Bible. "He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for Jehovah himself has spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8)"
"We were so blessed to have John in our lives! His kind heart will always be in our memories. He was such a dear friend to my family. He will always be in our thoughts. You are all in our prayers."