Jody Thomas

Jody Dewitt Thomas, age 68, of Lamar, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2015 at his home.      Jody was born April 2, 1947 in Westmoreland, California, to Ollie and Jewell (Turner) Thomas.  In July of 1965, at Riverside, California, Jody 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.  Jody 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.      Jody 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, Dianne Thomas.      Survivors include his son, Jason Thomas of Alaska; his father, Ollie Thomas of Lamar; a sister, Wanda Carlson, Tacoma, Washington; a nephew, Donnie (Christy) Thomas, Lamar; five grandchildren, Ashley Thomas, Olympia, Washington, Lara Lamb, Kentucky, Jason D. Thomas, Jr., Spokane, Washington, Aiden Thomas, Alaska, and Lemery Thomas of the Philippines; and a great-grandson, Grant Michael Willbanks      Honoring Jody’s wishes, his body has been cremated and a celebration of his life will be held later this month.