Wetmore-Kenneth E. Thomas, 83, of Wetmore, died Sunday, January 27, 2008 at his home. He was born October 22, 1924 in Barnes, KS the son of Orville and Reta Thomas.
He graduated in 1974 from Long Beach University in California receiving a Bachelors Degree in History. He served in the United States Army during World War II and served in the United States Navy in Korean and Vietnam. He retired in 1967 as a Navy Chief. He was a recipient of the bronze star.
He was a member of the Holton V.F.W. Post # 1367, a member of the Wetmore American Legion Post #282, a member of Wetmore Lions Club and a member of Studebaker Car Club of America.
He married Vernelle Lortscher in June 1947 in Sabetha, KS. She survives. Other survivors include a son Jerry Jay Thomas of Whiting, KS; a daughter Pamela Thomas Saulls and her husband Anglo of Wetmore, a nephew John Culpupper of OR; a sister Donna Beal of Sabetha; a brother Bill Thomas of Holton; 6 grandchildren Curtis K. Buford, Anchalee Wyrobek, Kimberly Short, Christena Lunsford, Laura Valdez, Jennifer Zamora; and 13 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers Norman Thomas and David Sterling.
Mr. Thomas was cremated and there will be a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2008 at the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Wetmore American Legion Post # 282. Arrangements entrusted to Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.