Photo courtesy of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory
Fort Madison, Iowa
Jul 19, 1938 – Dec 12, 2015 (Age 77)
Willis "Leroy" Thomas, 77, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 9:43 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at The Madison. He was born on July 19, 1938 in Fort Madison, IA to Fay & Cornelia (Krogmeier) Thomas. He married Barbara A. Peacock on February 27, 1960 at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison. He owned and operated Leroy's Barber Shop in Fort Madison for 57 years and was a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a former officer of the Iowa State Barber's Association and a former volunteer for the Aquinas Athletic Association and the Aquinas PTA. He loved the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed woodworking, refinishing antiques and watching sports, especially his grandchildren's. Leroy is survived by: his wife: Barb Thomas of Fort Madison, IA; 3-daughters: LeAnn (Tom) Sokolik of Bettendorf, IA, Linda (Rod) Overlander of Argyle, TX & Lori (John) Mercer III of Burlington, IA; 1-son: Brian (Megan McKay) Thomas of Pella, IA; 1-foster son: Harry Carel of Pleasant Valley, IA; 9-grandchildren: Anna (Sokolik) Vandenberg, John Sokolik, Will & Clarke Overlander, Benjamin & Gabriel Thomas, Urban Ziller, John Mercer IV & Max Mercer; 1-sister: Beverly (Randy) Schiller of Basalt, CO; 2-brothers: Dwayne (Sylvia) Thomas of Fort Madison, IA & Roger (Vickie) Thomas of Gulfport, IL; 1-sister in law: Sue Thomas of Marion, IA and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by: his parents & 2-brothers: Donald & Robert. The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. David Wilkening officiating. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Leroy's name. Online condolences and a video tribute of Leroy's life may be viewed at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
My thoughts are with your family. I had many "Leroy" conversations back in the Aquinas days. He was truly a person with a big heart.
Stan Ping
December 14, 2015 | Cedar Falls, IA | Friend
I am so very sad to read of the passing of Leroy. I remember him as a bigger than life, constant presence at all the Aquinas sporting events, cheering on LeeAnn, Linda and any other Aquinas team that was competing at the time. He was always cheerful, and upbeat. I am sorry for your loss. May God's peace be with you all during this difficult time.
James A. McGee
December 20, 2015 | Dunlap, IL | Friend
Sharing memories of all the softball we watched! Our prayers are with you all!!!A
Patti Sorensen
December 14, 2015 | Bettendorf, IA | Family Friend
I am so sorry to hear of Leroy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be deeply missed.
Judy Nutgrass
December 15, 2015 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Family Friend
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have fond memories of Leroy at all the basketball games and your many visits to Texas. May God comfort you and provide you peace and comfort.
Suzanne York and family
December 13, 2015 | Argyle | Friend Of The Family
Sue and I are so sorry at the loss of Leroy. I have such great memories of my dad and I heading to the barber shop and Leroy wearing my cowboy hat and shining my cowboy boots for me! He always had great stories and all of my visits with Leroy were near and dear to me. May God bless him and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bob Nutgrass
December 16, 2015 | Family Friend
I wish eternal rest, peace and comfort for Leroy. May you find comfort in the loving care you provided to him. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Jean McKay
December 14, 2015 | Knoxville, IA
Our thoughts and prayers with you all. Leroy was a good guy and my dad Paul would head down to Leroy's barber shop on Saturdays for a trim and the news of the day and Leroy always had some news to tell! With sympathy, Ann and Carey Pohlpeter
Ann and Carey Pohlpeter
December 15, 2015 | Fort Madison, IA | Friend
