Gary Yvon Thomas
January 15, 2021
Gary Yvon Thomas
July 23 1964 - January 15 2021
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Sunshine Open Bible Church, 2130 Easton Boulevard, Des Moines.
Masks required.
Memorial contributions can be sent to Gary’s family.
Gary Yvon Thomas passed away January 15, 2021 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. After battling with COVID-19 complications, he departed our world peacefully, surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Gary was born July 23, 1964 to Donna Walker Burton and Jerry Thomas Sr. in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1982. He served in the United States Army from 1984 to 1988, both stateside and in Germany. He was a proud patriot and was proud to serve his country.
Gary lived his life to the fullest. He had many interests and was able to put many checkmarks in the “Did It” column. He was a champion stock car driver at both Boone and Stuart Speedways. As an accomplished singer and songwriter, he loved entertaining his friends and family. He was a natural horseman with a love for blazing his own trails. Gary was an avid outdoorsman who looked forward to hunting with his buddies and attending Deer Camp each fall. He love having fishing competitions with his wife, but never won. He was always looking for the next good deal, which often led to some of his best friendships. He also enjoyed playing pranks and practical jokes on anyone and everyone who let him get away with it. He always loved to leave you with a smile.
Gary is survived by his wife Lisa Thomas; daughters Kelsey Thomas, Kendra Thomas, Cole (Shelby) West, and Cheyenne Thomas; granddaughter Elliot West; father Jerry Thomas Sr. (Terri Leonetti); brothers James Thomas, Jerry Thomas Jr. (Sheri), and sister Sherry Persinger (Troy Palmer).
Gary was preceded in death by his mother Donna Jean Burton, mother-in-law Anice (Trumper) Downs, maternal grandparents James ad Christabell Walker, paternal grandparents Yvon and Marjorie Thomas, and many loved ones who passed before him.
Mary Cronin
01/23/2021
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Anna Castelline Snyder
01/22/2021
I'm sure saying "how sorry I am " sounds to Gary's wife and family redundant. I wish my last conversation with him would have been different. I was so ignorant! I really wish our family could get together for more than just a funeral. I'm always going to miss you Gary. I'm here for when the family needs me. I'll be a hand and ear when needed. I love you Gary.
Susan Koscielak
01/22/2021
I'm so sorry for the loss of Gary. I knew him at Weeks Middle School. The first image that always came to me when thinking of Gary was his smile and laugh. He knew how to be joyous! What a gift.
Linda West Dorsey
01/21/2021
So sad to hear thie news of Gary's passing. I was one of his teachers at Granger School. He was probably ten years old. I was fresh out of college. We were "birthday buddies". We shared the same date. For years he would call me to wish me a happy birthday! That was the kind of person Gary was. Kind, thoughtful and full of joy. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Debbie (Reeves) Wilson
01/21/2021
So sorry for your loss! I worked with Lisa at SEP Bus Barn- where I met Gary. His brother Jerry married my cousin Sherry. With God's love. Debbie
Buck and Nila Veach
01/21/2021
So very sorry Lisa and Family for your loss.Prayers to you and your girls.
June Downs
01/21/2021
Lisa,We are so sorry for your loss. The video is so nice it captures how Gary lived life to the fullest and loved as hard. Love you guys.
Sherri thomas
01/21/2021
I'm so sorry for your loss I worked with Gary's sister Sherry at BassPro and we found out we were related,Gary was definitely a role model father ,husband,son and brother,I always loved looking at his posts and video's of his deer hunting I knew he wouldn't get his deer because he was taking selfies and making a little noise,I know he is now with his mother.R.I.P Gary. Prayes for all of the family.
Paige & Brian Hugen
01/21/2021
Lisa & family. We will really miss seeing Garys smiling face during Nationals & hearing his latest musical creations!!! We hope that you will continue to come down and visit us!!!!
Tom Leonetti
01/21/2021
Jerry and Family:
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to all of you.
Love,
Tommy
Ruthie Amos
01/21/2021
Although I never met Gary I am grateful to him for making my friend, Lisa so happy. I admire his strength at the end and his strong faith never giving up. Rest in the beauty which surrounds you now, Gary in Gods kingdom. all my love to you, Lisa and your family.
Diana Felice
01/21/2021
I will miss Gary's silly shenanigans and chatting with him at the track, he made it lots more fun. I'm thankful Gary is no longer suffering and I pray for comfort for the family.
Mary Avants
01/21/2021
I met Gary a long time ago at Fort McCoy, WI. he was such a nice guy. i will miss his positive attitude. Fly High Gary.
Michelle Beckman
01/21/2021
my thoughrs and prayers are with all of you. i will miss his fb funnies. RIP Gary
Mike Gillespie
01/21/2021
I'm so very sorry to the Thomas family I grew up knowing Gary his family live next-door to my cousins so I've known Gary for 40+ years a genuine nicer person would be hard to find Gary will be missed.