Joe Nelson Thomas

Joe Nelson Thomas died peacefully in Sumner Regional Medical Center in Wellington, Kansas after an extended stay in the Veterans Home in Winfield, KS. Joe was the 7th of 10 children born to Charles Vanatta and Una Landrith Thomas on a farm near Buffalo, Kansas on November 17, 1929. After graduation from high school, Joe worked at the Buffalo Brick Plant and then on the railroad for a short time before joining the Army in 1951. He served in Okinawa firing anti-aircraft guns returning home in 1952 at the rank of Corporal. Settling in California, he worked as custodian for the Baldwin Park School System. He married Myra Jean Searles and to this union five children were born. Joe enjoyed deep sea fishing off the California coast and fresh water fishing in Kansas. His son Charles precedes him in death. He is survived by his wife, Myra, children, David of California, Myra Jo of Kansas, Bruce of Iowa and William of Florida; siblings, Charles, Sue and Beth of California, Deanna of Missouri; 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. Memorial graveside services will be held at 11am, Monday, November 26, 2012, Resthaven Gardens of Memory Cemetery, 11800 W. Hwy 54.