Phillip Roy Thomas from West Des Moines, IA passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 80 on March 16, 2023. Born in Orlando, WV, Phil made his way to Iowa by way of DE, AK, CO, CA, DC, and TX. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jan Thomas (Johnson), his daughter Courtney Thomas and her husband Wade Johnson and their children Quinn and Ash Johnson-Thomas, his daughter Cindy Stanbro (Thomas) and her husband Jason Stanbro and their daughter Anna Stanbro, his sister Judy Fornash (Thomas), his sister Jetta Shanklin (Thomas), his brother Michael Thomas, and his sister Carol Cross (Thomas).
An Elder in the Community of Christ Church, Phil was a devout Christian, building his entire life around service to his community and to his church. You’d be hard-pressed to find a nicer person. An Air Force Veteran, Phil served eight years in AK, CA, D.C., and CO. After the Air Force, Phil worked as an IT Administrator at Claremont School District in CA, was District Manager and Owner of a few Sambo’s (think Perkins of the 70’s), he had his own insurance agency through Prudential, and watched squiggly lines as an IT Administrator at Wells Fargo. When not working on a project around the house, or taking care of his garden, you’d find him playing solitaire or watching Wheel of Fortune. Phil loved kidding around, spending time with family, and fishing. Food played a major role in Phil’s life. He loved all things yummy - his favorites being German chocolate cake, snickers, chicken fried steak, fresh baked bread, chocolate donuts, Pepsi, lasagna, and basically anything milk chocolate. Phil was a devoted Grandfather, joking and playing with his grandchildren as much as possible. Oftentimes he would answer the phone, “(insert your name here) Bar & Grill” and seemed to know everyone by name. Phil was known for his generosity, amazing work ethic, and kindness.
Celebration of Life service will be held at Northwest Community of Christ Church on March 26 at 6 pm. Graveside Ceremony will be held at Resthaven Cemetery on June 25 at 2 pm with full military honors. Memorials can be made in his honor to Northwest Community of Christ Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
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