OLLIE THOMAS

LAMAR-A gathering will be held at a later date for Ollie Dewitt Thomas, 89, Lamar, who died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, at Truman Healthcare Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Barton County Senior Center or the VA Blind and Vision Impaired Fund.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include a daughter, Wanda Carlson, Tacoma, Wash.; eight grandchildren, including his caregiver, Donnie Thomas, Lamar, Ed Thomas, William Billy Thomas, Betty Jo B.J. Thomas, Charlie Hensley, Michelle Hensley, Jason Thomas and Christina Larkin; 20 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three wives, Jewell, Dorothy and Evelyn Thomas; a daughter, Dianne Thomas; two sons, Orville and Jody Thomas and a granddaughter, Sunshine Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was born Dec. 2, 1925, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Earl and Edith (Thompson) Thomas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Returning home, he worked in civil service as a machinist/tool and die maker in the naval shipyard at Bremerton, Wash. A gifted and hard-working entrepreneur throughout his life, he had owned and operated Thomas & Sons Boat Business in Grapeview, Wash.; O.J.'s Mini Mart in Visalia, Calif.; The Catfish Farm in Farmersville, Calif. and J&O Farm Fresh Produce & Catfish in Carl Junction. After semi-retiring to Lamar, he earned a CMT certificate and worked at Silver Oak Assisted Living, as well as Lakeview Nursing Home for several years.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting elk in the northwest and fishing wherever he made his home. He was accomplished at billiards and loved to play on traveling pool leagues. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Washington and a charter member of Barton County Eagles Club.