Kirby Chester Thomas Jr.

Born June 26, 1928 to Kirby Chester Senior and Edna Viola Thomas, “Chester” married his cherished Ellen “Merle” Gwin in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on May 17, 1947, and they had 70 glorious years together.

Retired Master Sergeant “Chester or Chet” as he was known by his friends served for 21 years in the United States Air Force from 1947 to 1968 where he specialized in electronics and forged many life-long friendships who were affectionately referred to as Aunts and Uncles by his children.

An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. With the loving support from his cherished wife Merle, Chester raised four devoted children. He was a confident, logical man who instilled a sense of self-reliance in his children and will be forever loved and missed.

Chester was preceded in death by his father Kirby Senior, mother Edna and sisters Edna Jane and Ollie Lydia Thomas, Sara Jane Hudson and granddaughter-in-law Michelle LeVey.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen Merle Thomas; son, John Arthur (Joyce) Thomas; daughter, Ellen Diane (Zach) LeVey; son, Kirby Albert (Cynthia) Thomas; son Guy Neal (Juliane) Thomas; grandchildren, Dawn (Michael) Chadwick; Jennifer (Charles) Hamblin; Shavonne (Randy) McQuade; Alisha (Gary) Marshall; Jessica (Derek) Flint; Maxwell LeVey; Keith (Ashley) Thomas; Alyson Thomas; Ridley and Benjamin Thomas and great-grandchildren; Jenna Chadwick; Keely Coats; Kegan, Asia and Willie McQuade; Cameron Marshall; Nathan and Jackson Flint; Morgan and Evan Thomas