Frederick "Fred" William Thomas Obituary (1940

Frederick "Fred" William Thomas, 84, of Eldon, IA passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Unity Point St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA. As were Fred's wishes, his body will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Eldon United Methodist Church with Pastor Dave Peterson and Pastor Dave Bowden officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Fred's honor may be directed to the "Fred and Jeri Thomas Scholarship" through Cardinal Dollars for Scholars or to the donor's choice and may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Frederick William Thomas entered this life on August 14, 1940, in Eldon, IA, the son of Harry and Mary Martsching Thomas. He attended school in Eldon where he graduated with the class of 1958. His connection with the town of Eldon and Cardinal High School would come full circle throughout his life. He went on to Parson's College graduating with a degree in education. While playing for the Ottumwa Merchant's baseball team he met the love of his life, Jeri Lea Hayden. Together they became the loving parents of two children: Michael and Marla. Fred began his teaching career in Moulton-Udell before starting in Eldon, where he taught for six years and coached basketball, baseball, and Junior High football. His passion for education pushed him to get his master's in education administration at Northeast Missouri State University. He accepted his first job as principal in 1970 with the Tri-County School District before moving to Keota, and eventually finishing his career in Centerville. While in Centerville he was the assistant coach under Bill Huisman with the 1988 state championship baseball team. Upon retirement he and Jeri returned to Eldon. He devoted his retirement to the community and the school he cared so deeply for. He served 11 years on the Cardinal Community School Board and volunteered with the Eldon Depot Museum, Eldon Opera House, and the American Gothic Center. In retirement he loved following his granddaughters to their many sporting events and activities. During his lifetime Fred was a student, teacher, coach, and school board member for the Cardinal Community School District. He impacted countless youth throughout his life and made an impact on his family and his community that will not be forgotten. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings, Willard and James Thomas. Left to share his story is his loving wife, Jeri Thomas of Eldon, IA; two children, Michael Thomas of Kirksville, MO and Marla (Mark) Wilfawn of Ankeny, IA; two granddaughters, Connor and Stephyn Wilfawn; two step grandsons, Blake and Drew Wilfawn; a sister, Martha Bedford, as well as many extended family and friends.