Wilton ‘Wilt’ Thomas, 87

Aug. 12, 1934 —

Dec. 28, 2021

 

LIME SPRINGS - It is with great sadness, the family of Wilton Willard Thomas of Lime Springs, Iowa, announces his death at age 87. He died peacefully with his wife of 68 years by his side on Dec. 28, 2021 at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco, Iowa. 

A public visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 from 1-2 p.m. at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lime Springs. Due to COVID, the family is requesting a private funeral service.

Wilton was born to Willard and M. Gladys (Olson) Thomas on Aug. 12, 1934 in Cresco. He graduated from Lime Springs High School in 1952 and joined the U.S. Navy. There, he was a proud member of the Seabees, who built airstrips in the Philippines. Prior to his deployment, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Joy Hovey, on July 25, 1953 at Saetersdal Lutheran Church. 

After his time in the Navy, they moved back to Lime Springs, where they raised their four sons. Over the years, Wilt held various positions in construction, service station management and Howard County Secondary Road Maintenance. 

Wilt was an active member of American Legion Post 545 for 60-plus years, He was also a member of the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Board and Lime Springs City Council. He will be remembered by many for his well-manicured lawn, a hot stove in the garage and embellished stories about Welshmen he knew in his youth. 

Wilt dearly loved his family.  He took wonderful care of Marilyn and the boys over the years and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which brought great joy to his life. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marilyn; four sons, James (Leann), Perry (Beverly), Kelly (Donna) and Marty (Heather); 10 grandchildren; Jacob (Somy), Abby, Truman, Kyle (Brandon), Trevor (Sara), Joel (Amanda), Colter (Molly), Tyler, Kaylee and Chase; seven great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Brock, Mason, Dylan, Jin, Brantley and Cael, with two on the way; his brother, Gary Thomas of New Albin, Iowa; sister-in-law, Beverly Jertson of Spring Valley, Minn.; and several nieces, nephews and good friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister in-law, Sara Thomas. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Pleasant Hill Cemetery or Howard County Hospice.