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Captain Dewey E. Thomas Jr.

FUNERAL HOME

Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory

11144 Warwick Boulevard

Newport News, Virginia

Captain Thomas Obituary

NEWPORT NEWS - On the afternoon of April 18, 2014, after a short illness, Capt. Thomas went home. He was a good man who lived a good life and I am confident that he is in the arms of the Lord. Dewey was affectionately known as Captain Thomas or just Thomas, by all of those who knew and loved him. He was born April 21, 1925, in Newport News, Virginia. Thomas left home to join the Merchant Marines in 1942 and served until he was seriously injured. While recovering from his injury, in New York, he met the love of his life, his wife of 70 years, Yolanda.Thomas then served in the First Armored Division of the Army, overseas, until the war was over. Thomas and Yolanda had two children, John and Peggy. While raising a family, he completed his high school education and went on to join the Warwick County Police Department, which eventually became the Newport News Police Department, where he served the people for 30 years. The captain went on to receive his Associates Degree in Criminal Justine from TNCC and a Bachelor's Degree in Governmental Administration from Christopher Newport University. The Captain loved his work, his fellow police officers, his Harley Davidson, and just driving around town to visit with his many friends. He enjoyed a game of golf, when he was able, and made many trips around this great country. He will be missed by all of those who knew and loved him. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service until 7:30 p.m. Burial will take place privately in Peninsula Memorial Park.

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Published by Daily Press on Apr. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Captain Thomas

18 Entries

Richard T. Chance

April 24, 2014

Captain Thomas was a dear friend and taught all of us "rookie" police officers how to be a public servant enforce the laws and to be proud to serve as a Newport News Police Officer. May he rest in peace and God Bless his family. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure to know him and work with him. " A cops cop ".

jennie alexander-smith

April 24, 2014

It was with deep sadness to hear of the loss of such a wonderful man. He will always be remembered with that beautiful smile and a heart full of happiness. He was a special friend to my parents and would stop by the restaurant weekly to keep a check on them. He was like family. Buck and I extend our sympathy to the entire family.

Robert Phelps

April 23, 2014

My Uncle Junior was many things to me, but having been able to have him in my life left me a better person. He loved his work, family and friends and gave generously of his time and talents. On a recent visit home, I was able to see him and Aunt Yo at their home and I'm so glad I took the time and the family is in my thoughts. We will truly miss him but he can be comfortable now.

Glen & Joyce Adams

April 23, 2014

John and Peggy, I never really knew your Dad, but I think you should rejoice in the fact that God gave you the blessing of knowing and loving a wonderful father. Know also that he has blessed you with your father's long life and passing without having to endure a long and painful struggle with death. Now in this death, he can move forward to ever-lasting life…… Glen and Joyce

TAMMY BECKLEY

April 22, 2014

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE ,, PRAYERS SENT YOUR WAY .. FROM HAMPTON ROADS HARLEY DAVIDSON..YORK TOWN

Nancy McMurray

April 22, 2014

Peggy, so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Art Nolan

April 22, 2014

Capt. Thomas was one of the best mentors in the history of NNPD. His legacy lives on through all those officers he led by example and deed. It was truly an honor to serve with Capt. Thomas and Johnny and count them as friends. May he and his family be at peace.

John / Janet Nickerson jr

April 21, 2014

Go with God. Rest well and above all bask in his grace!

Pat Parker

April 21, 2014

Peggy, I am so sorry. This is such a rough time for you. My heart is with you.

Ed Lilley

April 21, 2014

To John and the other members of Captain Thomas's family, Regina and I express our sorrow at his passing. As a young patrol officer on the NNPD, I had the pleasure of working for Captain Thomas and was always amazed that he always had time for the new guys and helped us succeed. His grace and smile will live on for his family and his friends as we remember him as he was in our life. My last memory is from a telephone call a few months ago. He was so cheerful and vibrant that it is hard to believe he was in failing health. He was always upbeat and encouraging.
God Bless ,
Ed and Regina Cheyenne,Wy

April 21, 2014

CAPT THOMAS WAS A TRUE FRIEND TO ME AND SANDY FOR YEARS, AND CAN NEVER BE REPLACED. HE WAS A TURE GENTLEMAN, AND LEADER. J.W. AND SANDY BROWN

Joe & Geanie Slifer

April 21, 2014

Peggy & Johnny, We know your dad was a great guy. Intelligent, a great sense of humor and could tell a story as well as anyone. I hope the hole left in your lives will be filled with the wonderful memories he has left with you. We love you all!

Patty Flowers

April 21, 2014

I am very sad today, my thoughts are with Capt. Thomas' family & friends, he was an incredible man that always had a great smile when he saw you, I'm sorry that I didnt get to see you more often, I will miss you dearly & hold on to my many, wonderful memories.

Linda & Danny Criswell

April 21, 2014

We wish to express much sympathy to the family of Captain Thomas. It was a pleasure to have known him and was very sad to hear of his passing. He was loved by all who knew him and his memorable laugh and great personality.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Rhonda Brannan

April 21, 2014

My heart is heavy as I just got word that Captain Thomas passed away. I am so saddened to hear this as I worked for him in NNPD many years ago. He kept me in stitches and was a very generous man. I have so many funny memories of outings that he and I attended at Ft. Eustis Beef and Burgandy and his story about how I fell in the fish pond. For years he laughed and told that story. Captain Thomas you will be missed. Rest in Peace my friend.

Edward Smith

April 20, 2014

Dear Johnny and family.We will all miss the Captain,as he served his country and the city well.Please except our condolences.He was a close friend to my family,and I will always remember his laugh and that smile. EESmith and Ellen

Tina and Mike Adderholdt

April 20, 2014

To the family of Captain Thomas, please accept my heart felt sorrow on your loss. There are so many memories that I recall when I think of him. The many police rides we did on Memorial Day weekend each year on our Harleys to Afton Mountain and Front Royal. The many drag bike races we went to, near and far. You could see the joy he had each time he rode one of his Harleys. And of course I will remember his smile and his love for his family. Yolanda, Peggy, John and Michele, please know that you are in my prayers and I pray that God will give you Comfort and Peace at this most difficult time.

Sue (Riley Evans) Mayo

April 20, 2014

Dear John & family, May the many good memories, thoughts & prayers of friends & loved ones give you comfort during this time. He was highly thought of by many!

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