Howard Irwin Thomas Sr.

Howard Irwin Thomas Sr., age 90, of Hiteman, IA, passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at his home. Howard was born on April 30, 1932, at home to Joseph and Geneva (Bates) Thomas. He grew up and attended school through the 8th grade and then went to work in the mines and logging in order to help his family. Howard then served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany, during the Korean War. On December 24, 1954, he was united in marriage to Lois Loretta Repp and to this union, 6 children were born, Howard Jr., Janie, Steve, Tina, Kathy, and Brian. Howard and Lois shared 66 years of marriage prior to Lois’s passing on March 4, 2021. Upon returning home from the service, Howard worked for the railroad briefly before going to work at Maytag in Newton. He then went to work at John Deere Ottumwa Works in Ottumwa where he worked in the foundry and assembly for 30 years before retiring in 1981. Howard was a 50+ year member of the American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136. He enjoyed being outdoors and going to flea markets and auctions. He was very talented with small engine work. Above all else, Howard enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Howard is survived by his children, Howard (Melissa) Thomas, Janie (Dan) Hendricks, Steve (Debbie) Thomas, Tina (Mark) Graham, Kathy (Doug) Benson, and Brian (Carrie) Thomas; 12 grandchildren, Angie Ford, Andy Thomas, Sarah Thomas, Melissa Podliska, Michael Alexander, Steven Thomas, Joe Thomas, Kayla Suarez, Travis Graham, Curtis Graham, Thomas Benson, and Rachel Benson; 28 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a sister, Kitty (Buddy) Stafford. Howard is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents, Joseph and Geneva; 2 grandsons, Gerald and Derrick Thomas; a great grandson, Cole Thomas; and siblings, Robert Thomas, Mimi Tharp, Gladyth VanDolah, Jeanne Frye, and Donna Watson. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Howard’s family present to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose, and Lovilia. A private family burial will be held at the Hiteman Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia.

Howard Irwin Thomas Sr.

April 30, 1932 - December 31, 2022