Jerry D. Thomas
March 11, 1941 - November 1, 2023
Jerry D. Thomas, age 82, of La Plata, MO, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
He was born in La Plata on March 11, 1941, to Clarence and Pauline (Hamilton) Thomas. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Peggy (Pippin) Thomas in 2013, grandson PFC Adam Thomas in 2003, nephew Jay Thomas in 2015, nephew Brian Thomas in 2017.
On June 30, 1967, Jerry was united in marriage to Peggy (Pippin) Walker and became an instant father to Linda (Ron) Moore of La Plata, Carol (Raymond) Ward of High Point, NC, Jeffrey (Cindy) Thomas of Chillicothe, MO, and Tracey (Kevin) East of La Plata, adopting Jeffrey and Tracey in 1975. Jerry and Peggy added two daughters to this family, Lori (Robert) Smith and Tabitha (Jeremy) Sawyer all of La Plata. On May 27, 2020, Jerry was united in marriage to Jeannie Beyer.
Surviving is Jerry’s wife, children, and one sister, Donna Zurcher of Kirksville, MO, two brothers Patrick (Yvonne) Thomas of Kiln, MS, and David (Katie) Thomas of Knoxville, IA, brothers-in-law Glen (Sherry) Pippin , and Loren (Patsy) Pippin both of La Plata, Ronnie Brown of Linwood, KS, Eldon (Jodi) Corrick of La Plata, Gerald (Debbie) Corrick of Albion, IA, Marvin (Andi) Corrick of New River, AZ, and Mike (Terri) Corrick of Greentop, MO, sisters-in-law Verna Buck of La Plata, Janet (Martin) Lloyd of Green City, MO, Linda Walker of Monmouth, IL, two step sons Kevin (Michelle) Shouse of Maple Lake, MN, and Kurt (Molly) Shouse of Lake Villa, IL, and mother-in-law Corrine Corrick of La Plata.
Also surviving are grandchildren Joe Ralston, Jill Beautte, Megan (Jerred) Helm, Emily (Jacob) Marshall, Amanda Kimmel, Becca Branson,Tina (Mark) Lewis, Amy (Tommy) Gaona, Miracle Ward, Jeffrey (Tuesday) Thomas, Dawn Thomas, Courtney (Patrick) Studenec, Amanda and Nick Sturm, Cameron (Liz) East, Lauren East, Jordan (Macy Rogers) Smith, Dalton (Morgan Tipton) Smith, Cash and Cy Sawyer, Sarah and Courtney Shouse, Jade and Kolton Shouse, and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Jerry graduated from La Plata High School with the class of 1959. He was a Specialist 5 E5 in the US Army from 1960-1963, serving 16 months in Korea after the war. Jerry worked for the City of La Plata and for the telephone company for over 30 years. It is an understatement to say that he was a very active member of the community. Jerry was a dedicated La Plata volunteer firefighter and first responder for over 56 years; responding to calls until just two weeks ago. Many have said there was a sense of peace knowing that Jerry was on the scene. He served on the La Plata City Council and was Mayor of La Plata two different terms. Jerry also volunteered for several years at the La Plata Food Pantry and the La Plata Christian Ministries. He rode with the Patriot Guard and served with area Honor Guards for parades, opening ceremonies, and military funerals. Jerry was a born again Christian, loved contemporary Christian music and taking young and old to concerts. Jerry loved his golf cart rides with his dog, Buddy. He also loved doing whatever he could to serve his community and help anyone and everyone. His presence will surely be missed here.
Jerry was a member of the La Plata Christian Church, La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, Reynolds-Martin American Legion Post #282, and a lifetime member of the Kirksville VFW. He was a past member of the Macon County Ambulance Board, the American Red Cross, and a founding sponsor of the National Museum of the US Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Services will be at the La Plata Christian Church with visitation on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 4-8 pm and funeral on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 11 am with Rev. Carl Helm and Rev. Scott McNay officiating. Pallbearers will be: Jason Snarr, Jimmy Maloney, Ken Scott, Ken Thomas, Christine Brenton, and David Kinney. Honorary pallbearers will be Harry Ward, Tim Bean, Chad Primm, Bud Payne, and Jimmy Wilt. Burial with military honors will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO.
It was Jerry’s wish that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department or the PFC Adam Lee Thomas Scholarship. They may be mailed or left at Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, Missouri 63549.
