Virgil P. THOMAS, Sr.

THOMAS, SMITH, KENNEDY, ACCORDINO, KINNETZ, DELSING, IBELING, KLEIN, HARTEMA, KURTZ, KAPPEL, STARR, FORD, HAGELMAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:45

November 20, 1935 ---- November 10, 2018

Virgil P. Thomas, Sr. passed away Saturday, November 10th at the Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at the Immanuel Memorial United Church of Christ in Alden, Iowa. Burial will follow in the Alden Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, November 12th from 5pm – 7pm at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Memorial contributions can be directed to the family.

Virgil was born at home in Burdette, Iowa on November 20, 1935 to Jake and Maggie (Smith) Thomas. He went to country school and graduated from high school in Popejoy, Iowa. He later attended trade school in Nebraska for auto/diesel mechanics. He worked at various shops including Kinsey’s Garage in Iowa Falls. He finished his career as a heavy diesel mechanic at Weaver’s Construction / Martin Marietta in Alden, Iowa. Virgil retired from Martin Marietta on June 2, 2002 with 31 years of service.

On November 15, 1993 he was united in marriage to Marlys Kennedy in South Dakota.

In his younger years he participated in competitive boxing, and raced motorcycles and cars. He was a patron of the Sidney Iowa Rodeo for 70+ years, never missing a year. He attended with his parents as a child, carrying on the tradition with his children, and enjoyed it in the most recent years with his wife, Marlys.

After retirement, he enjoyed gardening, canning, auto racing, and tinkering on small engines in his garage. He enjoyed family get togethers and Marlys’ cooking. He spent many hours at his dining window watching the birds and squirrels that he made sure never went hungry. The highlight of each day was his late afternoon “speedy” nature drives.

He is survived by his wife Marlys Thomas. Children Marcia Accordino of Roanoke, VA, Dan Thomas of Dows, IA, Deb Thomas (Kenny Kinnetz) of Terrell, TX, Doug Thomas (Judy) of Dows, IA, Virgil (Butch) Thomas Jr. of Dows, IA, Brenda Delsing (Scott) of Iowa Falls, IA, Jake Thomas (Janelle Ibeling) of Ackley, IA, Tricia Thomas of Cassville, MO, Matt Klein (Mindy) of Iowa Falls, IA, and Son-in-Law, Jerry Hartema (Kelly) of Alden, IA. Brother Bob Thomas (Marion) of Gardiner, ME. Sisters Kathleen (John) Kurtz of Omaha, NE, and Beverly Kappel of Ackley, IA. He was blessed with 27 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren (affectionately known as his “Little Keepers”, “Little Fellas”, and “Pooptails”). As well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Jake and Maggie Thomas. Brothers Bub Thomas, Jack Thomas, and Billy Thomas. Sisters Mary Starr and Donna Ford. Stepchildren Mike Klein, Kim (Klein) Hartema, and Rhonda (Trittien) Hagelman.

http://www.surls.com/obituary/virgil-thomas