Carl D. Thomas

Carl Thomas, 66, formerly of Lykens, passed away on March 12, 2026, at St. Catherine Hospital in Dodge City, Kansas. He was born on October 26, 1959 in Lykens, Pennsylvania, to Carl Franklin and Elsie Louise (Britton) Thomas.

Carl spent his formative years nurturing a deep sense of family and community, values he carried with him throughout his life. Though he pursued college, his true education came from his experiences and the relationships he built. In his later years, Carl found a home in Dodge City, KS, where he cultivated lasting connections and became a beloved member of the community, working at National Beef and later becoming a truck driver.

Carl's journey through life was characterized by his warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and he will be remembered fondly for his generosity and the love he extended to everyone he encountered. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, His life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and an unwavering spirit. He always had a way of making those around him feel special and appreciated. His kindness, wisdom, and gentle demeanor will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

Carl is survived by his devoted wife, Panta Thomas; children: Eduardo Contreras and his wife Tina, Dulci Navarro and husband Brian, Heather Lenker, Daniel Thomas and wife Deborah, Sonya Thomas and husband Leobardo Ramos, Gustavo Piedrasanta Jr., and Elsie Thomas and husband Richard Medina. Carl's legacy also lives on through his multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchild, including Richard, Ellie, Jackson, and Lucas Medina, Luna, Estrella, and Solina Navarro, Mackenzie, Zane, and Mateo Lenker, Nathaniel and Hazelle Ramos, Danica, Anastacia, Kalista, Xaria, and Nova Thomas; great-grandson, Luke Hoover; and his siblings, Betty Gaffney and Carrol Paul, both of Lykens. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be Friday, March 20, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City. There is no burial as cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the family in care of the funeral home. Thought and memorial may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.