Jerry Thomas | 1943 - 2023
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Dec 12, 2023 | 3:14 PM / 222 views
ONIDA, SD –
Jerry W. Thomas, 80, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023, in Onida, South Dakota. Family will great visitors 10:00-11:00am, Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Onida First Presbyterian Church with a Memorial Celebration of Life service beginning at 11:00am. Burial will follow at the Onida Cemetery.
Born on July 22, 1943, in Pierre, South Dakota, to Alvin S. and Genevieve “Gebe” W. (Bandy) Thomas, Jerry grew up on the family farm east of Onida, where he learned the values of hard work and commitment to family. Surrounded by his siblings Deanna, Harry, Barbara, and Darlene, Jerry’s childhood was filled with the joys and challenges of rural life.
A proud graduate of Onida High School in 1962, Jerry continued his education at Northern State College in Aberdeen, earning a bachelor’s degree that would lay the foundation for a successful career. Shortly after college, he began working for Safeway, a job that would take him to California and allow him to provide for his two beloved children, Tyler and Tara. Jerry’s dedication and work ethic saw him rise through the ranks, culminating in a well-earned retirement in 2002.
In 1984, Jerry’s life was blessed with an additional measure of joy when he married Barbara Jean Grace. Together, they shared a love that was evident to all who knew them, and their partnership was a source of strength and inspiration.
Jerry’s interests were as broad as his smile. An avid outdoorsman, he cherished the time spent hunting deer and pheasants, embracing the beauty of nature. His passion for sports was not just a pastime but a way to connect with his community. Jerry and Barb were fixtures at Onida School sports events, where they cheered on not only their nieces and nephews but every child who played. His faith was paramount, and as a ruling elder of the Onida First Presbyterian Church, Jerry exemplified the virtues of a faith-filled life.
Throughout his life, Jerry was actively involved in several organizations that reflected his diverse interests and commitment to his community. He was a member of Pheasants Forever, the Sully Buttes Alumni Association, the Garden Grove BPOE Elks Club, and UFCW 324. His contributions to these organizations were marked by the same loving and thoughtful approach he applied to all aspects of his life.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Barb; his son, Tyler; his daughter, Tara; four grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; his sister, Deanna Sutton; his brother, Harry (Kay) Thomas; his sisters, Barb Kinder and Darlene O’Melia; and sister-in-law, Caroll Moore. His extended family includes a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and additional family members who will continue to cherish his memory. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Barb’s parents John R. and Marjorie Grace, and brothers-in-law Lyle Sutton, Bob Kinder, Skip O’Melia and John P. Grace.
Jerry’s life was defined by an unwavering love for his family, a deep and abiding faith, and a thoughtful dedication to the community he held dear. His legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and the quiet strength that comes from a life well-lived. Those who had the privilege of knowing Jerry will remember his warm presence, his unwavering support, and the genuine interest he took in the lives of those around him.
