Gerald Dean Thomas

FARNHAMVILLE - Gerald Dean Thomas, 87, passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Shady Oaks Care Center, Lake City. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Farnhamville with Pastor Aaron Zimmerman officiating. Burial will be In Reading Township Cemetery, Farnhamville with military rites presented by the American Legion Post #510, Farnhamville. A visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the church. The Funeral Service will be Live Streamed on Holy Trinity LCMS Farnhamville Facebook Page and shared on the Palmer & Swank Funeral Home Facebook Page as well. Palmer Funeral Home, Gowrie is serving the family. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Masks are optional. Gerald Dean is survived by his children, Vicki (Allen) Johnson of Farnhamville; Deb (Greg) Brundage of Apache Junction, AZ; Rick (Denise) Thomas of Farnhamville; grandchildren, Rebecca Johnson; Karri (Matt) Schlegel; Courtney Brundage; Kerinda Stortini (Steve Mackinster); Chance (Cailee) Brundage; Lindsay (Quintin) Cundiff; Marcus (Jessi) Thomas; Jordan (Katie) Thomas; twelve great-grandchildren, Tucker & Chloe Schlegel; Corisa Stortini; Cierra & Connor Brundage; Josh & Carter Cundiff; Emma, Anna, Tate, Cohen & Carver Thomas; siblings, Larry (Yvonne) Thomas of Grand Island, NE; Vernon (Darlene) Thomas; Dallas (Mary) Thomas, both of Somers; Phil (Linda) Thomas of Mountain Home, ID; Marilyn Peterson Shipp of Fort Dodge; Eileen Lemons of Bakersfield, CA; sister-in-law, Merna Thomas of Clare; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Mabel (Binder) Thomas; wife, Betty in 2015; brother, Howard Thomas, sister, Rosalie Ashbridge, brothers-in-law, Glenn Peterson; Dean Shipp, William Ashbridge and Jim Lemons; nephews, John Bandoli, Tyler, Dave, and Lance Thomas; and a niece, Ranae Ricklefs. Gerald Dean Thomas was born July 4, 1933 in Hiawatha, Kansas. In 1938, the family moved to Rockwell City, then to Alta in 1940, and then to Manson in 1946. In 1950, Gerald went to work for his uncle in Greenville and graduated from the Greenville School district in 1951. After graduation he met Betty Louise Daughtery and the couple were married on March 8, 1953. Gerald enlisted in the United States Army in August of 1953. After first being stationed in Fort Riley Kansas, Gerald was then stationed in Korea. He returned home in 1955 and was honorable discharged in 1961. Gerald and Betty raised their family and farmed in Rockwell City, Gowrie, and Farnhamville. They moved into Farnhamville in 1970. Gerald was mayor of Farnhamville for several years and served on several Calhoun County committees. He was a member of the Farnhamville Betterment Club and the Farnhamville Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Gerald and Betty also owned and operated B & G Auto from 1965 to 2002 in Farnhamville. He then worked for Macke Motors in Lake City selling cars from 2002 to 2015. He was married to Carol Sue Board in August of 2017, but they later divorced. Gerald became a resident of Shady Oaks in October of 2020. Gerald enjoyed playing cards, Farkel and Rummikub with friends and family. Most of all, he loved spending time with family at Twin Lakes and during the holidays. SERVICES Funeral Services 10:30 AM - Saturday May 15, 2021 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Farnhamville, IA OFFICIATING Rev. Aaron Zimmerman VISITATION Visitation 4:00 to 7:00 PM - Friday May 14, 2021 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Farnhamville, IA MUSIC Organist - Marsha Subbert Vocalists - Lindsay Cundiff & Cailee Brundage INTERMENT Reading Township Cemetery Farnhamville, Iowa Military Graveside Rites by American Legion Post #510