Harlan H. Thomas, Sr.

Harlan Howard Thomas, Sr., 84, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Harlan was born December 21, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa to William and Hazel (Jefferson) Thomas. He worked as a barber and was owner of Harlan’s Imperial Barber Shop. Later in life, he owned Harlan and Bill’s Barber Shop with his son. He retired in 2015.

Harlan was an accomplished musician who worked as a DJ and played keyboards in many bands throughout the metro area such as Soul Brothers, Platinum Blues Band, and Backstage Boogie Band. Harlan was one of the first inductees into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 1999.

He loved both areas of his life and the passion he showed in each led him to make lifelong connections. He also enjoyed fishing, was a great cook, and loved grilling and barbeque.

Harlan is survived by his wife, April Thomas; children, Vincent (Rhonda) Thomas, Lois Thomas, Harlan (Dawn) Thomas, Jr., Bill (Jerry) Thomas Randolph, Paul Thomas, and Torrey Thomas; step-children, Taurean (Jennie) Murray, Sr. and Tamicka (Peter) Murray; siblings, Sharon Tate and Herbert “Herbie” Thomas; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hazel Thomas; daughter, Robin Thomas Cotto; and his granddaughter, Lois Thomas.

There will be a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Private family burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens. An additional celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please check back for further details.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Central Iowa Blues Society at www.CIBS.org, or to DEITY Fastpitch at www.deityfastpitch.org.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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