Thomas R. Thomas, 59, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 27, 2013, at his home. Thomas was born December 22, 1953, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the son of Lyman Thomas and Mary Lou (McElfresh) Thomas. He grew up in McPherson, Kansas and graduated from high school in Denver, Colorado. He served in the United States Navy from January 1976 to January 1996 as a nuclear machinist mate. On March 23, 2002, Thomas married Rhonda L. Andres in Iola where they made their home. He was a member of the Garnett V.F.W. Post and served as past commander of the LaHarpe V.F.W. and past District 2 commander. SURVIVORS: His wife: Rhonda Thomas of the home 1 Daughter: Donna Baral & husband, Christopher of Derby, CT His Parents: L. Thomas "Tom" & Mary Lou Thomas of Glen Elder, KS 1 Brother: Mike Thomas & wife, Sherry of Kansas City, MO 1 Sister: Susan DeBey & husband, Dave of Downs, KS 3 Grandsons: Tony Thomas of OK, Donovan Beck of Derby, CT and Marc Cardenas of OK His Mother-In-Law: Marilyn Andres of Gas, KS 2 Brothers-In-Law: Rodney Andres & wife, Melissa of Gas and Rick Andres & wife, Tiffany of LaHarpe, KS Numerous nieces & nephews He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas R. Thomas II and his father-in-law, Richard Andres. VISITATION: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. MEMORIAL: In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Thomas R. Thomas Memorial Fund Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.