Johnny Thomas

John Harvey Thomas Sr. answered the Master's call to rest on January 27, 2024, at a local hospital. The celebration of life will be held at North Omaha Church of Christ on Friday, February 23, at 11:00 am.

John was born on February 28, 1931. He spent many years of his life being raised in St. Louis, Missouri. There, he spent a lot of time exploring with his airedale terrier. He developed a love for playing baseball and riding his bicycle. He eventually used his love for riding his bike to make money by having his very own paper route.

John served his country as a member of the United States Army Air Corps as a Fire and Rescue Specialist. One of the places he was stationed was the Philippines. He eventually was stationed in Omaha, Nebraska, where he eventually settled down and lived out the remainder of his life. After his military service, he had many jobs over the years. He worked at Vickers Hydraulics. He owned and operated a laundromat, as well as a family cleaning business. He was a shoe salesman at Montgomery Ward. He had side jobs as a radio DJ and as a DJ at a local roller skating rink. He told many stories about his careers at the Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Housing Authority, and Eppley Airfield.

John was a man of God who loved the Lord. He attended several churches in the Omaha area.  For many years, he was a member of Paradise Missionary Baptist Church. Prior to his illness, he faithfully attended North Omaha Church of Christ.

John enjoyed boating, having a barbecue, going to the movie theater with his daughter Bridget, listening to music, singing, spinning records as a DJ, and watching old western movies. He appreciated the work of St. Jude Children's Hospital and made a point to donate to them every year. He loved sharing a meal with family. Whether it was a meal of Chinese food or fish, on the weekends, you would likely find him eating at the kitchen table with his children and grandchildren. John was a family man who loved spending time with his loved ones. He never failed to ask questions about your life. He was very intentional about taking an interest and making others feel special and important. His words of wisdom, humor, compassion, love, and presence will be some of the many qualities we will deeply miss. As we celebrate the life of John Harvey Thomas Sr. we hold dear to our hearts and cherish the moments captured and shared. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Will Wallace and Irene Hickman Thomas; his daughters Bridget Griffin and Marilyn Thomas; 

Left to carry his legacy of love are his children, John Harvey (Margie) Thomas II,  Lora (John) Marshbanks, Diane (Jack) Allison, Kirk Burros, and Thomas Loving; grandchildren Deanna Thomas, John Harvey Thomas III, John Marshbanks III, Remington (Ashley) Marshbanks, and Sean (Kelsey) Mitchell; and 3 great grandsons Tonio Salinas, Remington Marshbanks II, and Zion Mitchell.  John also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends.