Lowell Thomas

Lowell Dean Thomas, 85, of Athens, GA, formerly of Williamsport, IN, passed away on October 25, 2024.

Born in rural Hoopeston, IL on September 1, 1939, to Bethel D. and Ruby E. (Anderson) Thomas, he graduated from West Lebanon High School in 1958 and joined the U.S. Navy for 4 years, attending electronics school and completing 36 months of service on the USS Robert L. Wilson, DD-847.

After serving in the Navy, he was employed with Farm Bureau Insurance, attending the Insurance Institute at Purdue University and Farm Bureau Tech in Jackson, MS. He retired from Farm Bureau after 30 years.

To keep himself busy in retirement, he served as a substitute teacher in Warren County elementary schools for 5 years, worked at L.S. Ayres in Lafayette, and adjusted insurance claims with Custer Insurance Agency.

Dean loved to sing and listen to Gospel music, especially southern gospel. He was devoted to the Lord and was active in many churches and organizations throughout his lifetime. He spent 20 years each as Elder at Williamsport Christian Church and on the Board of Directors at Hanging Rock Christian Assembly. He served as Chaplain for the USS Robert L. Wilson Association.

He was a fan of Seeger High School sports, the Purdue Boilermakers, and the Chicago Cubs. He loved to golf and was a charter member of Big Pine Golf Course.

He married Sonja Sue Barnhart on June 5, 1966 (58 yrs). She survives, along with children, Natalie Thomas of Spring Hill, TN, and minister Cory Thomas, wife Tasha, and awesome grandchildren Rebecca and Micah of Madison, GA.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mildred Strong, brothers, B. Anderson, Austin, Hoyle, and Ronald.

A visitation will be held at Madison Christian Church in Madison, GA on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2p.m., with a service following at 3p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hanging Rock Christian Camp and Williamsport Christian Church.

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