Francis Thomas 1926-1945

THOMAS, BROWN, OTTEN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/25/2020 at 07:51:30

26 April 1945 - The Anamosa Journal

MORLEY--Mr. and Mrs. Olin Thomas, Morley, received word last Friday that their son, Pvt. Francis H., 18, died April 8 of wounds received in action in Germany the same day. He was the youngest of four sons of the Thomas' now in the armed forces.

His brothers in the service are Tech. Fifth Grade Roland E., in England; Corp. Everett L., in the Philippines, and Corp. Owen E. in the Hawaiian Islands. Two brothers, Leland and Ernest, are at home. Three sisters, Mrs. W. G. Brown and Mrs. Menno Otten, Anamosa, and Maxine, at home, and his parents, also survive.

Pvt. Thomas entered service in August, 1944, and was sent to England in January, 1945. From England he went to France, and then to Germany, where he was killed three weeks after his arrival. He arrived on his last furlough home Jan. 1, 1945.

His mother received two telegrams Friday, the first in the morning stating that he was seriously wounded, and the second at noon, saying he died from the wounds. He would have been 19 years old April 30.

Francis, who served in Patton's army, was better known as "Popeye."

21 June 1956 - The Anamosa Journal

Memorial service will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul's American Lutheran church in Anamosa for Pvt. Francis H. Thomas, 18, who died of wounds received in Germany April 8, 1945. Rev. H. L. Buesing will be the officiating pastor, and the Arthur McCullough post of the American Legion will take part in the service.

Francis was the youngest of four sons of Mr. and Mrs. Olin Thomas, Morley, three of whom still serve in the Army. He entered service in August, 1944, and received four months training at Camp Wolters, Texas, going overseas in in January, 1945.

He arrived in England and was soon transferred to France, and then to the front in Germany where he died three weeks later. Pvt. Thomas held sharpshooter medals for machine-gun, carbine, pistol and others. The Purple Heart medal was sent to the parents two weeks ago.

He was home on 10-day furlough in January of this year, enjoying his stay, and showing a readiness and willingness to return at its expiration.

Francis operated the tractor on the threshing machine for his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Menno Otten when he was 15 years old. He was a frequent visitor in their home and often attended church with them.

He was born April 30, 1926, at Hopkinton where his parents had lived for many years. He attended the Hopkinton schools and graduated from eighth grade there.

Following this he assisted his father in farming until he entered service, with the exception of about a year when he was employed on various places around Anamosa.

His parents moved to Anamosa two years ago, and later to Martelle and Morley, where they now make their home.

Surviving are his parents, three sisters, Mrs. Menno Otten; Mrs. W. G. Brown, Anamosa, and Maxine, at home; five brothers, Corp. Rolland E., in England; Corp. Everett L., in the Philippines; Corp. Owen, now being transferred to the Pacific area, and Leland and Ernest, at home.

After the war, plans are to have his body brought to Oakwood cemetery, Monticello, for burial.