John Anthony Thomas

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958, a commitment he continued through his years with the Kentucky Air National Guard as an Avionics Technician. After his military service, he dedicated more than three decades to Naval Ordnance, followed by additional years with Ordnance Systems Company. Upon retiring, John embraced a well-earned chapter of life filled with the things he loved most - spending time with his family, family vacations to Hilton Head SC and Florida, going on group outings with the Seniors Group from church and enjoying many rounds of golf with family and friends.

During his military service he traveled the world from East to West and many places in between and loved to tell his family about his travels. He and his wife enjoyed taking vacations and going on group outings with their senior group from church. They also enjoyed their time together playing on a golf team at Bobby Nichols Golf Course. He loved taking family vacations to Hilton Head SC and Florida.

John graduated from Flaget High School in 1954 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from McKendree College in 1979. He was a devoted member of Incarnation Catholic Church from its founding in 1963, proudly helping to build the church alongside fellow parishioners.

He was active in many organizations throughout his life, including St. Martin’s Brotherhood (1961 to present), the Flaget Alumni Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post #201, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also honored as a Kentucky Colonel and enjoyed being part of several golf groups where he formed lifelong friendships.

John passed on his love of sports, learning, and faith to his children and grandchildren, and he hoped they would carry forward his deep devotion to God, family, and country.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Frances Thomas; his sisters, Elizabeth A. Thomas and Cecilia A. Romans; and his brother, Michael G. Thomas.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carol A. Thomas (Smith); his daughters, Debbie Manion and Cindy Kelly; his grandchildren, Sean M. Pardue (Pam Smith and daughter Evie Hicks) and John Thomas Kelly; and his great-granddaughter, Caitlyn Pardue. He is also survived by his brothers, Peter Thomas, Joseph Thomas (Jacqueline), Phillip Thomas, Tom Thomas, and Dennis Thomas (Elizabeth); his sisters, Mary Cushing (Bernie), Helen Priddy, Theresa Brentzel, and Martha Holloway; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and his “Adopted” Son John Clayton.

Special thanks to his Hosparus team - Regina, his nurse; Mary Alice, his social worker; Pastor Matthew Kelly; and the many others who provided compassionate care and support during his final journey.

Visitation will be held at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218, on Wednesday, March 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A service will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, March 19, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a private burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens East, 11601 Ballardsville Road, Louisville, KY 40241. A reception will be held afterward at Incarnation Catholic Church, 2229 Lower Hunters Trace, Louisville, KY 40216.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) https://www.myeloma.org (St. Jude Children's Hospital) https://www.stjude.org (Crusade for Children) https://www.whascrusade.org (Wounded Warriors) https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or (Honor Flight of Kentucky) https://honorflightky.org