Gerald Thomas

Gerald Dwight Thomas, 94, of Winterset, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at the Madison County Memorial Hospital in Winterset. Gerald was born July 9, 1931, to Eldon and Beulah (Eyerly) Thomas. Gerald graduated from Winterset High School and has been a resident of Winterset ever since.

Gerald honorably served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from December 11, of 1951 to December 1, 1953. If you had coffee with Gerald, he likely spoke to you of his time in the Marines on a submarine, or his time at Camp Pendleton, or when he was stationed in Hawaii at Barber’s Point. Another favorite memory was when he went to the Grand Ole Opry with his brother and sister-in-law.

Many in Winterset remember him from being a regular at Jonnie’s Drive-in restaurant, more recently known as Rudy’s, where he frequented for coffee and ice cream and at times enjoyed several meals a day there. He came to know many of the staff and waitstaff over the years and even held the VIP Gold Card at Jonnie’s. 😊 The Aldo Cafe and Starlight were other regular hangouts when he wasn’t working.

Others may remember him as the car wash guy where he worked as a technician keeping the car washes going on both ends of town. Over the years, Gerald farmed, worked as a bus driver, handyman, construction, electrical, and many knew him as a great friend, family member, and neighbor. He was truly a jack of many trades.

Gerald is survived by many of his nieces and nephews: Keith Hawkins, Mark Hawkins, Joan Beebe, Judy Thomas, David Thomas, Danny Thomas, and Neil Thomas.

He is preceded in death by his parents Eldon and Beulah Thomas, and siblings – Irene, Donald, Loree and Leslie as well as nephews Laurel Thomas and Paul Thomas.

Gerald spent his final years with Julie (Krauss) Jones and her family, who he’d known since she was born. Gerald was an adopted grandpa to the Jones girls, and their grandpa Krauss would have loved this. It is fully expected that Gerald will pass along stories, especially about Charlee, as she knew Gerald was a captive audience for pop-a-shot game or to put on a gymnastic show whether he wanted to watch one or not.

Gerald was a proud VFW member. He genuinely appreciated all visits from friends, family, and the VA staff who stopped by and helped to take care of him in his final years. 

A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Winterset VFW Post #8142.