ADMIRE, Kan. – On Feb. 21, 2023, John Thomas walked into the open arms of Jesus with his final earthly breath and a brief smile as I believe he heard “Welcome home my good and faithful servant!”

William John Thomas was born Nov. 30, 1951, to William M. Thomas and Agnes P. Thomas, in Emporia, Kan.

John was the youngest of five siblings. He loved growing up on a farm by the creek. He graduated from Northern Heights High School pursued a degree in auto mechanics due to his love of all things automotive. He was drafted to the Army in 1972, and it was at this time he began his relationship with Jesus. He served six years with the 725th Maintenance Battalion 25th Infantry Division. His active duty was served at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii. Later in life he joined the American Legion, and served as post commander at American Legion Post 389, Allen, Kan.

He declared his love for Thelma via airmail letter written on Feb. 21,1973. They were married July 4, 1976. They spent most of their life together at the home they built north of Admire, Kan. They were blessed with four children and 13 grandchildren.

John had many skills he supported his family with – farming, working at Allen Elevator, Hasco Construction, and Detroit Diesel, where he retired. He had a true servant’s heart and took great joy in helping others in any way that he could.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Thelma Ann Ferdinand Thomas; their four children and 13 grandchildren, Angel and Chris Crosswhite, Oklahoma City, Okla., and their two children, Nate and Hannah, Tim and Heidi Thomas, Tea, S.D., and their three children, Kairis, Skyla and Stellan, Karen and Joe Leibbrandt, El Dorado, Kan., and their four children, Agnes, Emma, Ida and Obadiah; and Mary and Jon Walker, Holyrood, Kan., and their four children, Harley, Haleigh, Hunter and Hayden; and siblings, Shirley Maxwell, Alma, Kan., James Thomas, Emporia, and Liz Robinson, Emporia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his eldest sister, Virgina Kusmaul.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the chapel. Following funeral services Sunday, there will be graveside military honors presented by American Legion Post 389, at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Admire.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be sent to American Legion Post 389 in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. John was very passionate about marking and restoring veteran grave markers. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.