David Elwood Thomas

David E. Thomas, 79, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loving family on October 19, 2018 in The Villages, FL. David is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Diane M. Thomas (nee Weir) and his four children; Martha Thomas, Jennifer Meier (Brent), Catherine Thomas (Tim Kamin) and Daniel Thomas (Tiffany). He was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; Owen Thomas, Anthony Thomas and Olivia Moore; Andrew Meier (Rebecca), Ashley Meier Smith (Zachary) and Breanna Wickett (Louie); Myles Kamin and Grace Kamin; Cole Thomas and Lillian Thomas; and Memphis Meier and Scout Meier. He will be forever remembered by his sisters, Marilyn Matthews (Murphy) and Susan Clark and his sister-in-law, Connie Accurso (Steven). He will further be remembered by his nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and numerous friends. David was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother, Daniel. David was born to Howard and Margaret Thomas on September 28, 1939 in Berwyn, IL. He spent a majority of his youth in Marshalltown, IA where he graduated from high school in 1958. He went on to graduate from Northwest Missouri State University with a Business Degree. David had a very strong work ethic and was a successful salesperson throughout his career. He was a steadfast proponent of a well-rounded education and proudly put all four of his children through college. David cherished the many years he lived with Diane on their “little five acres” in Springville, IA and thoroughly enjoyed their retirement life in The Villages, FL, particularly playing golf, bocce and cards with their numerous friends. David was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and could always be counted on to shout out “Go Hawks” to anyone, anywhere who was sporting any form of Iowa Hawkeye gear. David’s life will be celebrated by family and friends in two separate services. The first will be held on November 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Summerfield, FL. The second will be held on December 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. Friends and family are invited to stay for the luncheon that will follow each service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in David's name may be made to Make-A-Wish America (https://bit.ly/2PdKhjr)