Howard Thomas

Howard D. Thomas, 98, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 18, 1921, in Wagner County, Oklahoma. He was the son of Howard and Louisa Pondexter Thomas, who preceded him in death. He was married to Maud Turner more than 62 years. She passed away Dec. 15, 2005.

Howard was in the U.S. Army in the 3rd Armored Division. During his tour of duty, he was at D-Day and the war efforts across the European continent.

After the war, he worked as a truck driver, beginning with Standard Oil and eventually becoming an owner/operator of his own truck. He semi-retired from long-distance trucking and worked for Wiethop Sales in Cape Girardeau.

He is survived by his son, George (Peggy) Thomas of Cape Girardeau, and daughter, Sherry Thomas (Fred) Barker of Wenatchee, Washington. He is also survived by dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was a registered citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Maud Thomas, as well as his sons, James and Howard Thomas.

Visitation will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A graveside service will follow at 10 a.m. at Fairmount Cemetery, with the Rev. Jeff Estes officiating.

A memorial a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family requests contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Howard's personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.