John Franklin Thomas Sr.

John F. Thomas Sr., age 82 of Richmond, VA, passed on March 29, 2017. He was the son of Fred Wilson Thomas and Rosie Marie Irvin Thomas. Born on February 16, 1935, in Laurel Creek, WV, he proudly served his country in US Army in the 3rd Infantry Division as SFC in the Korean War, and served the community in the painting and coatings industry for 50 years. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, and served as past Commander of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 143. Over the last 10 years he shared his passion for remembering those from the Forgotten War with various schools and community groups across the Richmond area. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Fred and Joe Thomas, and a sister, Debra Thomas Gilliam. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 61 years, Esther Thomas, son Frank and wife Pascale, and two grand children Madeleine and Elisabeth of Midlothian, VA; Surviving siblings Shirley Marie Smith of Elgin, Ill, James A. Thomas and wife Marijean of Highland, IN, and Sharron Lee Lilly of Daniels, WV, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held from 11:00 – 1:00 pm Monday prior to funeral service. Funeral Services will be held at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229 with Rev. Michael Wilburn and Rev. Nate Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens at 12609 Patterson Avenue with family and friends to serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to the family at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com