Edward "Shorty" Thomas

Edward “Shorty” Paul Thomas, age 68, of Albia, passed away on Friday, December 14, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loved ones, under the care of EveryStep Hospice. Shorty was born on January 19, 1950, in Albia to Morgan and Ethel (Sandeen) Thomas. He grew up and attended school in Albia before attending Indian Hills Community College where he obtained his welding degree. On June 22, 1974, he was united in marriage to Gloria Adcock in Albia and to this union, two children were born, Amy and Zach. Shorty and Gloria shared 44 years of marriage. Shorty worked for John Deere in Ottumwa for 31 ½ years, where he was also a union steward, prior to his retirement in 2005. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trapping. Shorty was an Iowa Hawkeyes and Denver Broncos fan. His true joy in life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren in sporting events. Shorty was a very generous and kind man who never knew a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was loved by all those who knew him and will be greatly missed. Shorty is survived by his wife Gloria; his children, Amy (Jimmie Rhodes) Pottorff and Zach (Danielle) Thomas; 3 grandchildren, Cheyenne (Stephen Allgood) Pottorff and Jack and Frankie Thomas; 3 brothers, Dave (Wanda) Thomas, Harry (Deb) Thomas and Roland (Martha) Thomas; a sister, Lois (Dan) Hall; and his beloved dog, Boots. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Morgan and Ethel; and 2 brothers, Gerold and Larry Thomas. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Shorty’s family present to greet family and friends from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 20, 2018, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. Following the services Shorty’s body will be cremated and a private family burial will be held at a later date. An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date.

Edward "Shorty" Thomas

January 19, 1950 - December 14, 2018