Gale D. Thomas
Gale D. Thomas, 89, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Gale Duane Thomas was born in the small town of Sandusky, Michigan on April 24, 1935 to Edward and Evelyn (McBride) Thomas. Shortly after his birth, Gale’s family relocated to Licking, Missouri where he spent his childhood and attended Licking Public Schools, graduating from Licking High School in the class of 1953. Soon after high school, Gale met the love of his life, Linda Marie Buckner and together united in marriage on October 7, 1955. Together they were blessed with a son, Stephen, before moving to the Sullivan community where they welcomed three more children, Sindy, Sherrie and Shelia.
While residing in Sullivan, Gale began employment at Ramsey Corporation for nearly a decade before embarking on a successful career that spanned over 27 years with Chrysler. Gale celebrated his retirement in 1995, but remained busy after retirement getting to do the things he really loved.
Gale was talented in carpentry and woodworking. He loved simply spending time outdoors casting a line, hunting, and tending to his plentiful gardens. Gale also enjoyed collecting pocketknives and even practiced bladesmithing from time to time. He also served as the President of the Franklin County Knife Club for several years. Gale was a tremendous mechanic and could fix or build any motor; even constructing his own dune buggy from the ground up.
Gale was a fan of country music, especially artists such as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Roy Acuff. He could often be found listening to some of their classic hits.
Together, Gale and Marie have been active members of the First Baptist Church of Sullivan for over 50 years. Gale’s faith was of upmost importance to him. Within his church, Gale served in the bus ministry, often maintaining and working on the buses, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, volunteering during VBS and playing in the softball league. He never met a stranger, was always kind and compassionate to others, and never missed an opportunity to invite someone to church.
Above all, Gale was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed and forever lovingly remembered.
Gale is survived by his loving wife, Marie of Sullivan, MO; four children: Stephen Thomas and wife Brenda, Sindy Huber and husband Harvey, Sherrie Morris and husband Kenny and Shelia DeVeydt and husband Tod all of Sullivan, Missouri; six grandchildren: Mike Thomas, Jen and Josh Mesger, Brittany and Matt Mesger, Zachary Thomas, Matthew Tyree and Cheryn, and Stephanie Morris; three great – grandchildren: Kaylyn, Brinley and Clifford; a sister, Lucille Adams of Houston, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Evelyn Thomas; and three siblings: Darold Thomas, Carolyn Wilson, and Donna Moses.
Funeral Services will be 11 AM, Thursday, June 13, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Sullivan with Pastor Chester Lahmann officiating. Interment will follow at the Oddfellows Memorial Cemetery in Sullivan.
Visitation will be 5 – 8 PM, Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Friends may send their online condolences to Gale’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.