John passed away in Imperial Beach, Ca. due to a long fight with Cancer. John was born in Detroit, Michigan to John C. Thomas Sr. and Mary Lee (Wells) Thomas. The family moved to Waverly, New York shortly thereafter.
John was preceded in death by the love of his life for 50 years, Goldie Fern (Tate) Thomas, his parents and 5 siblings; Pete, Louise, Elizabeth, Leon and Peggy and his great grandchild, Thomas Clayton Park. He is survived by his Children: Bonniejean Sisson, Hazel F. Bailey and Harrison “Lonnie” Thomas. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren; Harrison Leonard Thomas, John R. Sisson and Kathern E. Park and great-grandchildren; Adam R. Park and Paul J. Sisson as well as many nephews and nieces.
Before his illness, John was a very active and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints and served as a Missionary, a Deacon, an Ordinance Worker at the Los Angeles Temple, a Visiting Teacher, Assistant Ward Clerk and 18 years at the San Diego Temple.
During his high school years he worked in Waverly, NY at a Men’s Clothing Store (which accounts for his impeccable taste in clothes “that make the man”). After he graduated from Waverly High School he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a plane engineer/mechanic. He flew “over the hump” in Burma to transport fuel and war supplies to Chiang Kai-Shek’s Army in China. He also served in North Africa and flew a secret mission to Russia (so secret even he didn’t know what it was about).
After the war he went back home and started working at Ingersoll Rand but soon became restless and joined the U.S. Navy for adventure becoming an Aircraft Machinist Mate where he originally worked on fixed wing aircraft and then transferred to Helicopters. He served in many Helicopter Squadrons and retired from HS-6 in 1968 as a Chief. He served aboard many Aircraft Carriers with his Helicopter squadrons including the USS Lexington, USS Kearsarge, USS Hornet, and the USS Midway among others.
He served his Country during WW11, Korea and Vietnam and was awarded numerous Medals and Commendations for his service.
When he retired from the Navy he went to work for Hughes Aircraft until they moved up to Thousand Oaks. He then went to work at NESSE in National City where he finally completely retired.
He and Goldie bought a travel trailer and toured the United States for over a year. Because they both loved dancing, they joined various Square Dance Groups, finishing their dance careers as members of the Raylin Cloggers Exhibition group.
John’s favorite hobby/activity was golfing and in his later years he and his daughter went at least once a week. He had 3 holes-in-one over the years with his last one happening when he was 84.
John will be remembered for his good heart and for his excellent sense of humor.
His Star on earth has dimmed but he shines bright in Heaven.
Best Dad Ever.
A Memorial Service will be held August 28, 2018 starting at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1270 S. Orange Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020 followed by a reception and then a Veterans Ceremony and Internment at Singing Hills Memorial Park Cemetery. Please sign the guest book. In lieu of flowers please contribute to Honor Flight San Diego.Org so that other war veterans can experience the Honor bestowed upon them by this wonderful organization
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