JODY THOMAS

LAMAR-Honoring his wishes, the body of Jody Dewitt Thomas, 68, Lamar, who died Saturday, July 4, 2015, at his home, has been cremated and a celebration of life will be held later this month.

Arrangements are under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include a son, Jason Thomas, Alaska; his father, Ollie Thomas, Lamar; a sister, Wanda Carlson, Tacoma, Wash.; a nephew, Donnie Thomas and wife Christy, Lamar; five grandchildren, Ashley Thomas, Olympia, Wash., Lara Lamb, Kentucky, Jason D. Thomas, Jr., Spokane, Wash., Aiden Thomas, Alaska and Lemery Thomas, Philippines and a great-grandson, Grant Michael Willbanks.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jewell Thomas; an infant son, Justin Jon Thomas; a daughter, Sunshine Thomas; a brother, Orville Sonny Thomas and a sister, Diane Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was born April 2, 1947, in Westmoreland, Calif., to Ollie and Jewell (Turner) Thomas. In July of 1965, at Riverside, Calif., he married Laura Leonhardi and to this union three children were born. As an over-the-road trucker, he traveled all over the United States and had lived in California, Alaska, Washington, Louisiana and Missouri. He was a free spirit, but his heart was anchored in Alaska where he manned fishing ships, enjoyed the rugged beauty of nature and fostered his love of the outdoors. After retiring, he moved to Lamar in 2012 to help care for his father.