Thomas, Lewis J. (1897-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Dec 13 p. 6

Birth date: 1897

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Dec 27 p. 8

text of obituary:

LEWIS J. THOMAS

Lewis J. Thomas, son of Jacob and Eva Thomas, was born at Ringwood, Okla. on Feb 1, 1897. There he spent his boyhood days and received his early education. Later he attended the Bethel College Academy at Newton, Kansas and several summer sessions at McPherson College, McPherson, Kansas.

On Sept. 4, 1921, he was married to Lillian Wedel in the Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Galva, Kansas. After marriage they taught school together in McPherson and Marion counties for 15 years. In 1936 he moved to a farm west of Hillsboro, Kansas where he started farming. In 1944 he moved to a farm north of Moundridge where he resided until his death.

On June 11, 1916, he was baptized upon confession of his faith in Jesus Christ and united with the fellowship of the New Hopedale Mennonite church of Meno, Okla. After coming to Kansas he transferred his membership to the Emmanuel Church, Galva; then to the First Mennonite church, Hillsboro. Since 1946 he had been a member of the West Zion Mennonite Church, Moundridge. Wherever he lived he took an active interest in the church. He has served faithfully as a deacon, as a Sunday school teacher, as a choir member and in other functions of the church.

On Friday, Dec. 7, he was busy with his work as usual in apparent good health. However, early on Saturday morning, Dec. 8, he unexpectedly suffered a heart attack from which he never recovered. He reached the age of 59 years, 10 months and seven days.

He leaves to mourn his departure his loving wife; one son, Martin, and wife, Edna of Newton; one daughter, Verbie Lois Kimball, and her husband, Bill, of Hesston; four grandchildren, Donna Ray, Roger David, and Janice Kaye Thomas, and Paul Wayne Kimball; four brothers, John, Cornelius, and Henry of Ringwood, Okla. and Dan of Canton, Kan.; five sisters, Eva (Mrs. Pete Eck) of Newton, Mary (Mrs. Pete Jantz) of Hesston, Caroline (Mrs. Ben Smith) of Newton, Susie (Mrs. Abe Smith) of Ringwood, Okla., and Lizzie (Mrs. Henry Unruh) of Lamar, Mo.; and a host of other relatives and friends. One sister, Lena (Mrs. Fred Schultz) preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held in the West Zion Mennonite Church on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Rev. Harris Waltner and Rev. P. K. Regier officiated.