Howard Irwin Thomas Jr.

Howard Irwin Thomas Jr., 69, of Albia, IA, passed away on February 17th, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 27th, 1955, at the Ottumwa Hospital, the son of Howard Thomas Sr. and Lois Repp Thomas. Howard grew up in Hiteman and attended Albia Community Schools, where he made lifelong friends and had many adventures. He was a car guy, going straight from toy cars to fixer-uppers before he was old enough to drive. If you needed anything car-related, Howard was the man to see. His love of cars led to some of the most interesting stories retold around the garage at every chance. The one thing Howard enjoyed even more than his buddies and cars was his family. A perfect day would be fishing with the boys or driving with the kids and their friends to the back-to-school campout. Taking the granddaughter to school in the Scooby Doo Van, teaching another to drive a stick shift, or just giving rides on the tractor. Grandpa always had time for the kids. Howard is survived by his wife Melissa, two daughters, Angie (Jim) Ford and Sarah Thomas (Josh), all of Albia, and one son, Andy (Breanna) Thomas, of Reno, NV. He also has three stepsons: Curtis Wilson of Albia, Matthew (Jessica) Wilson of Colorado Springs, CO., and Michael (Tabitha) Wilson of Milton, FL. Nineteen grandchildren: Ashlie (Blake) Schroeder, Baylie Ford, Carlie Ford, Allie (Brian) Crandall, Abigail Thomas, Courtney Jacob, Trevor Scholtus, Breyer Scholtus, Drake Thomas, Damian Thomas, Dante Thomas, Jax Wilson, Bently Wilson, Ayden Wilson, Cora Choat, Kandon Choat, Carter Wilson, Parker Wilson, Isabella Dubois, and four great-grandchildren. Also survived by three sisters, Janie Hendricks, Tina Graham, and Kathy (Doug) Benson, and two brothers, Steven and Brian Thomas. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Lois, two sons, Gerald Frank and Derick Howard, and one great-granddaughter, Haylie Marie Wilson. Howard’s family would like to invite everyone to a luncheon held at the Albia Eagles from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025. A Celebration of Life will follow the luncheon from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Albia Eagles. An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date.

Howard Irwin Thomas Jr.

November 27, 1955 - February 17, 2025