David Thomas

David Allan Thomas, 55, of Libertyville, IA passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Funeral services honoring his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center in Fairfield, IA. Cremation will take place following the service. Visitation will begin after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com

David Allan Thomas entered this life on February 5, 1970, in Bloomfield, IA the son of John and MaryBeth Thomas (Lowe). He attended school in Centerville, IA, graduating with the Centerville High School Class of 1988. He went on to further his education at Indian Hills Community College, where a course in criminal justice would bud into a lifelong career in law enforcement. David immediately responded to his calling to save lives, and to care for and protect his communities. He served as an Advanced EMT for Davis County EMS and on the Wapello County Rural Volunteer Fire Department, before joining the Ottumwa Police Department in April of 1995. This was the first step of a career that span over 30 years. He completed the 146th Basic Training Academy at Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in June of 1995. For lifesaving actions with OPD, he was awarded the Medal of Valor. In July of 1999, David became an officer for the Fairfield Police Department. David worked his way up serving as Sergeant, K-9 Handler, Lieutenant, Captain, and most recently serving as Chief of Police. During much of his career he was also a member of the SRT (Special Response Team).

David was deeply proud of his career in law enforcement, but his greatest joy in life was being a devoted and loving father and grandfather. His journey as a father began with the birth of his first child, Logan, with his first wife, Jody Ulin. Though their marriage later ended, family always remained at the center of David's life. He later married Tammy Wheeler, and through that union his heart and family grew. He lovingly embraced Tammy's daughter, Nicole, as his own, and together they welcomed their daughter, Rachel. David took immense pride in each of his children and cherished the bond he shared with them. Known as a passionate history buff, David loved spontaneously quizzing his children on historical facts, turning learning into moments of laughter and connection. He found peace in the outdoors and loved exploring nature, often leading the kids on off-trail hikes, always confident he would find the way. He was famous for "never getting lost." With the arrival of his grandchildren, David's life felt complete. He was their biggest fan, their favorite playmate, and a constant source of joy. He often ran circles around his own children to keep up with his grandchildren using his boundless, playful energy, and his love for making them happy.

David's life of service and dedication to his family, his community, and his fellow law enforcement officers will be remembered and honored by everyone who knew and loved him.

David was preceded in death by his father, John Thomas. Left to honor his memory are his children; Logan (Jessica) Thomas of Ottumwa, IA, Nicole (Nikolas) Carlson of Fairfield, IA, and Rachel Thomas of Pocahontas, IA; five grandchildren, Sadie Thomas, Theodore Thomas, Henley Kerr, Hallie Kerr, and Hudson Kerr; his mother, MaryBeth Thomas; four siblings, Lora Thomas-Jones, Stephanie (Duane) Thompson, Chris (Danielle) Howard, and Megan (Keith) Foglesong; his extensive law enforcement family, as well as his extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to a memorial, which will be given in his name to an organization that assists underprivileged members of his community, just as David would have wanted. The organization will be chosen by his family at a later date