Jerry Thomas

Mr. Jerry Dale Thomas, age 91, of Holts Summit, Mo., passed away peacefully Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Rock Island Village Assisted Living in Eldon, Mo.
He was born on October 2, 1933, in Barshall, Mo., near Linn, one of ten children to the late Ray Alexander and Ida May (Mantle) Thomas. Jerry was united in marriage to Kathleen "Kathy" Allison in 1957, after meeting at a gathering at Sunset Lake. The two shared nearly 68 years of marriage, building a life of love, commitment and devotion.
A lifelong member of the Central Missouri area, Jerry was a 1951 graduate of Linn High School. He attended a local trade school for a brief time, studying agriculture. He joined the United States Army in October 1953 and served his nation as a Corporal until his honorable discharge in January 1955.
Jerry returned home to provide help on the family farm and help run his brother's milk route business. He then began his career with the Missouri State Highway Department but soon found his true calling with the railroad. He devoted more than 20 years to Missouri Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific, steadily advancing from Trackman to Foreman before his retirement.
A man of the Methodist faith, Jerry was known for his caring and generous spirit. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back and never hesitated to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1005 and Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 2693, where he valued the stories told and friendships made with fellow members.
An avid outdoorsman, Jerry found solace and peace outside. He enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden year after year, sharing his tomatoes with friends and family alike, and helping his wife, Kathy, with her flower gardens. Jerry cherished the quiet calm of fishing along local banks and the companionship of deer hunting and processing alongside his brothers. Family trips to Alley Spring when his kids were younger where some of Jerry's favorite memories.
Family was of the utmost importance to Jerry – especially his grandchildren. His kind and easy-going nature made him the perfect pitching partner, wiffle ball teammate, and gas money supplier. He was always supportive and could often be found in the stands cheering on at sporting and school events. Jerry and Kathy enjoyed their trips to local casinos, hoping to hit it big, but having fun regardless the outcome.
Jerry leaves a legacy of generosity, kindness, and deep love of family. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by those who were blessed to know and love him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; sons, Rick Lee Thomas (Beverly "Bev") of Strafford, Mo., and Jeff Dale Thomas (Kelly) of Brazito, Mo.; grandchildren, Cameron Thomas (Kate), Cheznee Lee (Jared), Madison Doerhoff (Derek), and Mick Thomas; 7 great-grandchildren; in-laws, Larry Allison (Jennifer), Jim Allison, Bobby Allison (Diane), Eddie Allison (Denise), David Allison, and Barb Barker (Brad); nephews, Scott Thomas, Shawn Etter, Joe Allison (Cindy), Steve Allison (Carol), and Eugene Allison; nieces, Dana Graham, Kay Allison-Fauss, and Beverly Reynolds (Duke); and a host of extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ida; siblings, Georgia Thomas Stuesse (Bernard), Lawrence "Buck" Thomas (Dorothy), Omar Thomas (Pat), Harry Thomas (Theresa), Ray "Babe" Thomas, Jr. (Evelyn), Evelyn Thomas, Robert "Bob" Thomas (Betty), John Thomas (Rose), and Dixie Thomas; and brothers-in-law, Robert Allison and Johnny Allison.
Services with military honors will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, or Hospice Compassus, 3193 Boardwalk Dr, P.O. Box 5197, Saginaw MI 48603-2363.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.