Verdell Keith Thomas

PEORIA – Verdell K. Thomas, 89, passed away on November 11, 2021 following a short illness. He was the only child of Harry and Jennie Thomas who adopted him from the Iowa Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home when he was six years old. Verdell grew up in Iowa and attended New Hartford High School where he played and learned to love the game of basketball. He was a longtime Phoenix Suns fan. After high school in 1951 he enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War where he served on a destroyer. He was a proud veteran and was fortunate enough to travel on an Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2017 with his son. Verdell was married to his high school sweetheart, Darlene, for 63 years prior to her passing in 2018.

The family moved to Arizona in the early 1960’s when Verdell’s job with Titus Manufacturing relocated him to Phoenix. He later went on to work for Sperry and then Honeywell where he was a manager in supply chain. Verdell was active with his three sons growing up. He was a scout leader. He loved to take them camping and fishing.

Verdell will be remembered as a cherished father, loving grandfather and proud great grandfather. Verdell was a friend to everyone he met and had lifetime friends. In recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed working at the wood shop making toys for his family and the staff’s children at Freedom Plaza.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Darlene. He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Colleen), Kevin (Donna) and Brian (Patricia) and 10 grandchildren and currently 10 great grandchildren and a brother-in-law David.

The family would like to thank Aegis Hospice and The Inn at Freedom Plaza for all their loving support over the past few months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mission Bell United Methodist Church, 4645 West Bell Road, Glendale, AZ 85308 on Friday November 19, 2021 at 11:00. am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Verdell’s name to the Mission Bell Methodist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Thomas family.