Eldon Leon Thomas

Eldon Leon Thomas was born January 20, 1936, in Cook Station, Missouri. He was one of four children born to Ezekial and Ila (Reeves) Thomas. Eldon grew up in Salem and graduated from the class of 1955 from Salem High School. On May 27, 1955, Eldon enlisted into the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge February 2, 1959. During his time in the service, he served two years in France and earned the Good Conduct Medal. Eldon met the love of his life, Marie Ragsdale, while in high school. After dating for three years, they were united in marriage on September 9, 1956, and shared sixty-one years of lasting memories before her passing February 13, 2018. Eldon and Marie were blessed with two children: Mark and Lindy who later blessed them with three grandchildren: Jessica, Hannah, and Nathon, and five great-grandchildren. In 1962, they chose Salem as the place to build their life together. Eldon worked in the accounting department with Craig Distributing/Kraft Food Services until his retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time in his shop woodworking, building furniture, and welding. He also enjoyed being outdoors gardening and working cattle. In his later years, Eldon made moonshine as a hobby. Eldon was a man of faith and attended the First Christian Church. After much encouragement from his wife, Eldon became a Mason on February 2, 1990, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge #225. At about the age of six, Eldon started playing the mandolin and played in several groups in the area. Eldon departed this life February 22, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Missouri, at the age of eighty-nine years. He is survived by his loving daughter: Lindy Thomas of Salem, MO; granddaughters: Jessica Armstead and Hannah Robinson of Florida; grandson: Nathon Thomas and wife Karin of Virginia; great-grandchildren: Kody, Seth, Nicholas, Levi, and Darwin; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his loving wife of sixty-one years: Marie (Ragsdale) Thomas; son: Mark Thomas; grandchildren: Colin and Ila; parents: Ezekial and Ila (Reeves) Thomas; two brothers and one sister. Eldon always had a smile and a kind word to share. He was a loving and caring son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend. Above all else, his family was most important to him. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him most. Memorial Services for Eldon Leon Thomas were held Saturday, March 1, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Lyndell Decker officiating and Mary Halbrook sharing the eulogy. Song selections played were “Amazing Grace” and “I’ll Fly Away”. Masonic Services were provided by Masonic Lodge #225 and Military Honors was provided by the American Legion Post 99 and U.S. Air Force Honors Team. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Eldon Thomas to the Activities Department for Christmas Gifts with the Missouri Veterans Home-St. James. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Eldon Leon Thomas

January 20, 1936 - February 22, 2025