Obituary of J. Wendell Thomas

J. Wendell Thomas, age 93, formerly of 1201 West Benton Street, Iowa City, died Thursday, November 20, 2003, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2003, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City with Sister Agnes Giblin officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Wendell's memory. J. Wendell Thomas was born August 16, 1910, in Tiffin, Iowa, the son of Albert B. and Anna (Williams) Thomas. He grew up on a farm in West Lucas Township of Johnson County. He graduated from University High School, Iowa City, and later received a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Iowa in 1937. While at the University, he was a member of the professional fraternity, Theta Tau. Wendell married Lilah N. Coats October 7, 1933, in Unionville, MO. During World War II, he worked at the Iowa Ordinance Plant in Burlington, Iowa. In 1947, the couple returned to Iowa City where Wendell was owner and operator of the Home Fuel Company. Later he and Lyle Jones formed Jones-Thomas Inc. Insurance Agency and Real Estate. He was former president of the Iowa Board of Realtors and a member of numerous civic and professional organizations. He and his wife Lilah were members of the Welsh Congregational Pioneer Church in rural Johnson County. Following retirement, Wendell and Lilah enjoyed traveling in their Airstream trailer, attending many rallies throughout the country. In 1978, he served as president of the Illiamo Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club. Lilah died June 14, 1990. Following her death Wendell moved from his home to Oaknoll Retirement Residence. His family includes a daughter and her husband, Mary Ann and Richard Park of Iowa City; four grandchildren, Jim and his wife, Cathy Sladek, Thomas Sladek, and Elizabeth and her husband, Mark Crooks all of Iowa City, and Daniel and his wife, Marion Sladek of Edinburgh, Scotland; six great-grandchildren, Ann and Robert Sladek, Joe, Jack and Mae Crooks all of Iowa City, and Conrad Sladek of Scotland; one brother and his wife, Ed and Kay Thomas of Iowa City; and a brother-in-law, Roy Coats of California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lilah; infant granddaughter, Jane Sladek; and son-in-law, Bob Sladek.