Thomas Vangilder

MOUNTAIN HOME - Thomas James Vangilder, 89, of Mountain Home died on Feb. 25, 2026, at Gassville Therapy and Living. He was born on Dec. 18, 1936, to Arley and Lillie Vangilder.

Thomas was a member of Highland Drive Baptist Church. He and his wife, Judy, moved to Mountain Home in June of last year after spending the previous 25 years in Jonesboro. Raised working in the cotton fields on his family farm, Thomas carried that strong work ethic throughout his life, working as a truck driver and taking great pride in the dedication his profession required. During a period of living in Missouri, he also owned and operated a cattle farm. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed working in their yard and spending time outdoors. Thomas loved motorcycle riding and put over 100,000 miles on his Goldwing while traveling across the country. Even in his 80s, he decided to purchase a Harley-Davidson and continued taking to the open road. He especially loved spending time with his family, attending ball games, and watching and participating in his grandchildren's activities and events.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, AJ Vangilder and Max Vangilder; and a sister-in-law, Pat Vangilder.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 25 years, Judy Vangilder; his children, Kevan Vangilder, Nancy Vangilder, and Tina Vangilder, all of Marmaduke, and Deanna (Jim) Anderson of Mountain Home; his brothers, Wayne (Beverly) Vangilder of St. Charles, Mo., and Bill (Sandra) Vangilder of Paragould; and his sister, Rhonda (Mike) Linam of Wynne. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rachel Vangilder, Dylan Vangilder, Parker Vangilder, Brooks Vangilder, Shelby (Dalton) Harris, Cole Anderson, Amanda Julian, and Tyler Allen; and six great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Monday, March 2, at Highland Drive Baptist Church beginning at 12 p.m., leading to the funeral service at 1 p.m. with Brother Johnny Hutchison and Brother Kim Bridges officiating.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector. Pallbearers will be Dylan Vangilder, Parker Vangilder, Brooks Vangilder, Cole Anderson, Mike Vangilder, and Jason Vangilder.

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com