Jack Thomas

Jack Thomas, 76, of New London, IA, died Monday, October 10, 2011 at his home. Visitation will begin Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at the Faith Christian Outreach Church where the family will receive friends. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Monte Knudsen officiating. Interment will be at the Oakland Mills Cemetery. A memorial has been established to be directed by the family at a later date. Born July 30, 1935, in Oakland Mills, Jack was the son of Lester and Alice (Mathews) Thomas. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. On February 19, 1955, he married Bonnie Schenk at the Open Bible Church in Mt. Pleasant. His first job out of high school was with Henry County Secondary Roads Department. Jack worked as a heavy equipment operator. He later owned and operated his own equipment doing custom dozing. Jack was a member of the Iowa Draft Horse Plowing Association. He enjoyed horse pulling competitions with his famous draft horses, Duke and Dan. He also owned mules which he would drive in parades. Always a farmer he enjoyed his cows and chickens. Jack could be found on many occasions having coffee with his friends at the Salem Stub. He especially enjoyed being with his family. Jack attended Faith Christian Outreach Church and enjoyed gospel music. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; two daughters, Cathie (Dan) Schreiner and Sindy (Lawrence) Wear all of New London, IA; two sons, Scott (Keri) Thomas of Waukee, IA and Dennis (Marilyn) Thomas of Quincy, IL; ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Vivian Wilder and Marcella Pauley; and two brothers, Roscoe Thomas and Jack's twin brother, Gene Thomas.