Kermit L. Thiele

Kermit Lawrence Thiele, Sr., age 89, passed away Friday January 2, 2026. Kermit was born September 11, 1936 to Mildred (Hough) Thiele and Kermit M. Thiele of Yoakum, Texas.
Raised in Yoakum, Kermit graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1954. He attended St. Edwards University in Austin and graduated from Commonwealth College of Science in Houston. For over 60 years Kermit worked as a funeral director and embalmer, beginning his career at Buffington Funeral Home in Yoakum before moving to Gonzales in 1975. Kermit was also a proud Veteran, having served in the US Army Reserves.
Kermit committed himself to a lifetime of community service. For over 65 years he proudly served as a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lion's Club, and was also involved with the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and Boy Scouts of America having held many leadership positions in each of these organizations. As a member of Saint James Catholic church, Kermit served as a Eucharistic minister, choir member, and a 4th degree knight with the Knights of Columbus.
In recognition for his dedication and years of service, he received the David B Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 from the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce. He also received the Silver Beaver Award in 1993 from the Boy Scouts of America Capital Area Council which is the highest council level recognition for adult leadership; however, he was most proud of watching each of his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and also participating in week-long hiking treks with them in 1977 and 1990 at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
Kermit enjoyed talking with everyone and seemed to always have a funny remark ready to share. He especially treasured time spent with family playing dominos, hunting and fishing, or just getting together.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mildred (Gallia) Thiele and sons Kermit Thiele, Jr. (Debbie), David Thiele (Gena), and Michael Thiele (Christine). Grandchildren Richard Thiele (Brittany), Layne Thiele, Garrett Thiele, Jackson Thiele, and Bryce Thiele. Great grandchildren Caleb and Aleah Thiele, sister Phyllis Manning (Jim) and bothers Bill Thiele (Rosie) and John Thiele (Lisa). He was preceded in death by his parents, son James, and grandsons Jonathan David and John William.
A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10am Thursday January 8, 2026 at the St. James Catholic Church in Gonzales with a Rosary being recited at 9:30. Interment will be 2 p.m. on Thursday at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Yoakum. Pallbearers include members of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. Honorary pallbearers include the Knights of Columbus3rd degree members.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Knights of Columbus Council 5090 or Scouts of America.