Thomas, Edward Lester – 1924-2012

FREEL, GHENT, MURROW, THOMAS

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:34

Edward Lester Thomas, age 87 of Runnells, passed away on June 3, 2012, at Good Samaritan Center of Red Oak, Iowa. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at the Runnells Christian Church with burial following at Lowman Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Runnells Christian Church and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.
The son of William “Bill” and Lona (Ghent) Thomas, Edward was born on December 21, 1924, in Prairie City, Iowa. Ed grew up around the Runnells area and graduated from Runnells High School in 1942. He entered the Army following graduation and served in the US Army during WWII. His unit landed on Utah Beach on D-day plus 4 and moved on into the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged from the Army in 1945. On January 26, 1952, he was united in marriage to Lilith Murrow. The first four years of their married life were spent in Fairbanks, Alaska. They returned to Runnells where they made their home. Ed was a charter member of the Runnells Lions club. He was also a member of the Ernest West American Legion Post in Runnells and the Runnells Christian church, where he served in many different capacities over the years.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Lilith; his daughter, JoAnn of Red Oak, his son, Charles of Milan, Michigan, a granddaughter, Erin Thomas and her mother Diana, his sister, Thelma Freel of Altoona, a brother Richard (Janice) Thomas of Runnells and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Source: Monroe Legacy; Thursday, June 7, 2012