Ollie Dewitt Thomas, 89, of Lamar, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Truman Healthcare Center.
Ollie was born December 2, 1925, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Earl and Edith (Thompson) Thomas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Returning home, Ollie worked in civil service as a machinist/tool & die maker in the naval shipyard at Bremerton, Washington. A gifted and hard-working entrepreneur throughout his life, Ollie had owned and operated Thomas & Sons Boat Business in Grapeview, Washington; O.J.’s Mini Mart in Visalia, California; The Catfish Farm in Farmersville, California; and J & O Farm Fresh Produce & Catfish in Carl Junction, Missouri. After semi-retiring to Lamar, Ollie earned a CMT certificate and worked in Silver Oak Assisted Living as well as Lakeview Nursing Home for several years.
An avid outdoorsman, Ollie enjoyed hunting elk in the northwest and fishing wherever he made his home. He was accomplished at billiards and loved to play on traveling pool leagues. Ollie was a member of the Elks Lodge in Washington and a charter member of Barton County Eagles Club.
Preceding Ollie in death were his parents; three wives, Jewell, Dorothy, and Evelyn Thomas; a daughter, Dianne Thomas; two sons, Orville and Jody Thomas; and a granddaughter, Sunshine Thomas.
Survivors include a daughter, Wanda Carlson, Tacoma, Washington; eight grandchildren, including his care-giver, Donnie Thomas of Lamar, Ed Thomas, William “Billy” Thomas, Betty Jo “B.J.” Thomas, Charlie Hensley, Michelle Hensley, Jason Thomas, and Christina Larkin; 20 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions are suggested to be made to Barton County Senior Center or the VA Blind and Vision Impaired Fund, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.
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