Ernest Perry Thomas

Ernest Perry Thomas, 85, longtime Craig County resident, passed away peacefully Monday, August 5, 2024, surrounded by his family on the homeplace. Perry, as he was most well-known by, was born at home February 7, 1939, in rural Craig County to Jess and Alice (Overgard) Thomas. 

 Perry entered the United States Air Force after high school where he served as a Security Forces Officer. While stationed in Greenville, Mississippi, he met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Thompson, and the two were wed July 18, 1960. Perry and Ann got to travel the world during Perry’s 20 year career in the Air Force. After retirement, they moved back to the farm here in Vinita in 1977 where Perry worked as a security officer for Peabody Coal and later as a contract custodian for Grand River Dam Authority.

 In his spare time, Perry enjoyed mowing and various outdoor work on the farm. He also enjoyed bowling and playing the lottery. Perry had a passion for country music his entire life. During his time in the military, he would always get a band together. While in Alabama, he played in a band that had their own TV show. They were called the Delta Devils. He even got the offer to play the Grand Ole Opry; however, he was re-stationed to England and missed out. 

 Above all, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them and hearing about their lives. His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandsons all had a special place in his heart and he will be missed by all who knew him. 

 Preceding Perry in death was his beloved wife, Ann; his parents, Jess A. and Alice J. (Overgard) Thomas, a grandson, Justin “Bubba” Thomas, daughter-in-law Terry Thomas and step-granddaughter Kora Carter.

 Beloved father, he is survived by his son, Ernest P. “Ernie” Thomas II of Vinita; and daughter, Charlene (Thomas) Hayes and husband Todd of Vinita; grandchildren, Steven Hayes and wife Lane, Sean Hayes and wife Tiffany, Sloan Hayes and wife Haylee, all from Vinita. Kasey Eggenberg (Thomas) and husband Steven of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Kayla (Thomas) Zufelt of Springfield, Missouri, two step grandchildren Ray Thomas and wife Dominique; Katie Knight and husband Matthew; 20 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandsons; sibling Jess A Thomas Jr. of Tulsa; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

 A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. in the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Leland Bartlett officiating. The Grove Veterans Ritual Team will provide Military Funeral Honors. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. 

Arrangements are in the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita. “Family owned. Locally operated.”