Donald Loraine Thomas 1922 - 1991

THOMAS, VANDERMARK, LEWIS

Posted By: Deb (email)
Date: 12/26/2014 at 21:43:13

The Hawk Eye

Donald Loraine Thomas, 69, of New London, died at 12:45 p.m. Monday, August 5, 1991, at Burlington Medical Center.

Born July 17, 1922, in Yarmouth, he was the son of Leroy and Letha Mae Vandermark Thomas. He married Betty Lewis March 22, 1947, in San Benito, Texas.

He was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a bombadier in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was employed at J. I. Case Company, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the New London Presbyterian Church and VFW Post 7641 at New London.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Anthony Thomas, Lisbon, and Nicholas Thomas, Burlington; one daughter, Mrs. Vanessa (Eric) Shinkle, Burlington; five brothers, Charles Thomas, Burlington, David Surrell Thomas, New London, John Thomas, Marshalltown, Larry Thomas, Wichita, Kansas, and Marvin Thomas, Letts; four sisters, Genevieve Conner, Mount Pleasant, Verla Canfield, Burlington, Evelyn Walker, Muscatine, and Mary Alice Martin-McCluskey, Wever; and six grandchildren.

The body has been deeded to the University of Iowa Anatomy Department.

Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Chapel in New London.

A memorial service for Mr. Thomas will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Elliott Chapel with the Reverend James Wallace officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in the Shinar Cemetery at Pleasant Grove.

Memorials have been established for the New London Rescue Squad and the VFW Post 7641 at New London.