John Charles Thomas

John C. Thomas, of Derby, KS, passed away at his daughter’s residence, Tuesday, December 31, 2013. He was born in Limo, OH on June 6, 1949 to John H. and Leta Arlene (Hoffman) Thomas. He was a graduate of Bluffton High School. John had served for twenty years in the U.S. Air Force and retired in 1987. He was a member of the Derby VFW, Mulvane American Legion, was a past Kansas State Commander for the American Legion, and a member of the Spencer Moose. He enjoyed golfing, umpiring, and fishing.

John is survived by his two daughters, Casey (Tim) Lester and Christy (Jason) Beuerline both of Freedom; a son, John Thomas of Champaign, IL; a sister Betty (Lynn) Basinger of Bluffton, OH; and five grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Hiefner) Thomas; his parents; and a brother, Richard Thomas.

Funeral service will be held 11am, Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Smith Mortuary in Derby, KS. Burial will follow at El Paso Cemetery with military rites performed by the Mulvane American Legion and Derby VFW. Friends may call from 9 to 11am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas American Legion or the Derby VFW post #408.