John Hardin Thomas

THOMAS, John Hardin, 95, of Chesterfield, Va., went to be with the Lord on August 31, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Thomas; son, Robert Thomas; sister, Luleen Thomas; grandsons, Andrew Thomas and James Thomas; and son-in-law, Ralph Williams. John is survived by his wife, Maralyn Thomas; daughter, Leah Beth Williams and her husband, Gary Futrell and their family, Ryan, Shanna, Ryker and Avery Williams and Leannah and Cameron Farbotko; daughter, Linda and her husband, Bob Copenhaver and their family, Chris, Jen, Ayden, Breea and Scott Copenhaver and Stacey, Jim, Emily and Matt Wilkinson; son, Jay and wife, Cathy Thomas and their family, Jack, Payzley and Ryland Thomas; and Maralyn's grandchildren, Erica, Sarah, Lexi and Justin Putney. John was born in Long Beach, California and grew up in Rotan, Texas. After serving in the Navy, he ended up in Virginia and became a Virginia State Trooper. During court appearances as a trooper, he realized that the lawyers made more money than him, so he enrolled in law school. Upon graduating, he formed a law firm with his law partner and best friend, Graham Jennings. John was later appointed to the bench as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge in Chesterfield County. He continued beyond his retirement as a substitute Judge for many years. In his honor, the Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Center was named for him. A devout Catholic, he trained to become a deacon at the Church of the Epiphany in Chesterfield, volunteering at the church until he was 85 years old. John loved his family and the church. He loved to travel and was honored to have a private audience with the Pope. He loved fishing at the Outer Banks; he was an excellent photographer and he enjoyed reading. John loved a challenge and went skydiving on his 80th and 85th birthdays. He loved dogs and would carry dog treats with him just in case me met a new furry friend. John lived a full life, with his health declining over the past six months. He would like to thank all of the wonderful people that helped care for him. A public visitation will be held on September 7, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bliley's-Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on September 8, at 11:30 a.m., at the Church of the Epiphany, 11000 Smoketree Drive. Interment with military honors will be held in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Chesterfield County Animal Services, P.O. Box 148, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832.