Howard Dexter Thomas, Jr.

Howard D. Thomas, Jr, 98 years old, of Cape Girardeau, passed away May 26, 2020 at St. Francis Medical Center.

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

He was in the US 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 and 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 Thomas and wife Peggy of Cape Girardeau.   He is also survived by his daughter, Sherry Thomas Barker and husband Fred of Wenatchee, WA.  He is survived by dozens of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.

He was a registered citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

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

Visitation will be Friday May 29, from 8:00- 9:30 a.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A graveside service will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Fairmont Cemetery with Rev. Jeff Estes officiating.

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

The family request to contributions to St. Jude’s or Shriner’s Hospital.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now&homepagedonate

Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis
4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis MO 63110
Tel: 1-314-432-3600
Web: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation