Clifford E. Thomas' Obituary
Clifford E. Thomas age 86, of Centerville, Iowa, died Thursday, November 10, 2005, at Golden Age Care Center in Centerville, Iowa. Clifford was born the son of Benjamin B. Thomas and Martha Ann (Waggoner) Thomas on May 21, 1919 in Mendota, Missouri. He received his education in the Mendota Community Schools.In 1946, Clifford was united in marriage to Evelyn Auten in Des Moines, Iowa and later he was united in marriage to Jean Bass, in Cincinnati, Iowa in June of 1980. Then on March 3, 1998, Clifford was united in marriage to Donna Whitaker-Wells in Centerville, Iowa. Clifford served his country with the US Army during WWII during that time he was awarded Four Bronze Stars for the battles at Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe, and North France. After Clifford's honorable discharge, he worked as a farmer for a time in northern Missouri before beginning his work at the Continental of Iowa, Inc. in Des Moines Iowa as a truck driver and dock foreman. After 30 dedicated years of service to the company, he retired in 1985. In February of 1998, Clifford accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and began attending the People's Baptist Church in Centerville, Iowa as long as his health would permit. He was a member of the VFW in Centerville.Clifford was preceded in death by, his parents; his 1st wife, Evelyn Auten in 1979; his 2nd wife, Jean Bass in 1995; his two brothers, Melvin and Custer Thomas; and his two sisters, Icel Palmer and Pansy (Pat) Claver.He is survived by: his wife Donna Thomas; three Step-Daughters, Shirley Ulin of Hardy, Arkansas, Marilyn Whitaker of Albia, Iowa, and Barbara Clinch and her husband Philip, of Switerland; two Step-Sons, Larry and his wife Winona Whitaker and Bill and his wife Rhonda Whitaker all of Centerville; one sister-in-law, Alice Thomas of Centerville; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 10:00 A.M. at the People's Baptist Church in Centerville, Iowa with Pastor Mike Willis officiating. Burial will follow at the Mendota Cemetery in Mendota, Missouri with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 from 1 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with the family present will be 6 P.M. to 8 P.M.Memorials can be made to the People's Baptist Church of Centerville, Iowa, and may be left at or mailed to the To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Clifford E. Thomas please visit our Sympathy Store.
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