Thomas, John W. 1942-2024 Gallatin, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
GALLATIN, Mo. – John “Johnnie” William Thomas, age 81, of Gallatin, Missouri, passed away Saturday night, Jan. 13, 2024, at the Thomas Farm where he grew up in Gallatin. John was born on July 1, 1942, the son of Charles Chester and Mildred (Loraine) Thomas, in St. Joseph. At two years of age his mother passed away and he gained a stepmother, Cynthia A. Hill.
John was a lifelong Gallatin resident and was a 1961 graduate of Gallatin High School. He was a longtime member of the Gallatin First Baptist Church. On Oct. 20, 1962, he was united in marriage to Constance Louise Pierce at the Gallatin Methodist Church. After Connie passed away in 2006, he married Shirley Fetters.
John worked at Ford Motor Company, was a manager at Hales Grocery Store, owned the Gallatin locker, managed Places, which was later Pamida and Shopko.
John was most passionate about being an EMT, paramedic and volunteer firefighter. He served the Community Ambulance District of Daviess County for 13 years and served the Gallatin Fire Protection District. John helped lobby a bill that required two attendants on an ambulance. In addition to his abundant community service, he served two terms as the Mayor of Gallatin. He was a class clown, always a jokester and best known for his “Johnisms”.
John was a musician and loved singing, often making up his own words and singing to his dog, Luci. He was willing to do anything for anyone, often providing a home for kids that didn’t have a place to go; he had several “bonus children”. John will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother; wife, Connie and wife, Shirley Fetters; siblings, Charles “Chuck” Thomas Jr.; Patricia and Jim Pierce.
He is survived by his children, Chris Thomas (Debbie), of Gallatin, Mike Thomas (Donna), of Cameron, Missouri, and Lori Kloepping (Eric), of Gallatin; nine grandchildren; great-grandchildren; Shirley’s children and their families; sister-in-law, Angie Thomas, of Kansas City, Missouri; nephew, Paul Pierce (Terry); niece, Susie Walker (Randy), of Stewartsville, Missouri; nephew, Ed Thomas, of Kansas City; nephew, Charles Chester Thomas III, of Kansas City; nephew, Nick Thomas, of Kansas City; other extended family members and his beloved dog, Luci also survive
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Gallatin Fire Protection District in care of the funeral home.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin.
At John’s request, no services will be held. Burial at a later date at Lile Cemetery, Gallatin.
Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin (660) 663-2117.
Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
