He was a retired carpenter and farmer, a member of the Green Hill United Methodist Church, and a United States Navy Veteran. Mr. Leo enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was very proud of his military service having served as a pipefitter and boat maker in the Navy from 1956-1958 on the USS Hyman. While on shore leave, he went to a county fair and met his future wife Ellen Ruth. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Ruth Coulson Thomas; two brothers, Laverne and Horace Thomas; two sisters, Norma McMahon and Winona Ray; and a granddaughter, Anna Elizabeth Abney.
He is survived by three sons, Kenneth Wayne Thomas of Green Hill, Steven Lee Thomas of Batesville and Donald Scott Thomas of the Valley; one daughter, Teresa D. Abney and husband Mark of the Valley; five grandchildren, Katie, Jennie, Sarah, Emily and Allison; five great-grandchildren, Kaley Ree, Ethan, Avery, Amelia and Addison; sisters-in-law, Lois Ray and husband Jim of Litz, PA, Alice Rothgeb of South Williamsport, VA, Jennie Griffith and husband Don of Perryville, MD, and Mary Hunt and husband Roger of Lancaster, OH; brothers-in-law, Mark Coulson of Conowingo, MD, George Coulson of Boca Raton, FL; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Wayman Mann officiating. Burial will follow in Beulah Cemetery.
You can sign Mr. Leo's guestbook here on his page.
Condolences(4)
Teresa Abney
Wilmar, AR Saturday, March 23, 2024 Daddy, I miss you so much, I think of you all the time and thank God in heaven for giving me such a wonderful Daddy, I love you more than words can say.Katy Marchello
Hampton, VA Sunday, January 7, 2024 I just got the news of Cousin Tommy's passing. My heart is with you all. He was such a wonderful person, loving, sweet, an infectious smile. I last saw him (and Cousin Ellen) in the fall of 2019 and am grateful for the memories.May peace be with you all.
Much love, Katy
Patricia Abbott
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 28, 2023 Sending my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during your time of sorrow and praying for your comfort and strength.Mary Johnson
Rison, AR Monday, December 25, 2023 Mr Leo had a soft spoken presence about him but strength in His love for Jesus and family and churchHe will be missed
Prayers to all the kids and grands