Gerald Nelson Thomas

Obituary Jerry Thomas was born on June 29, 1931 in Yonkers, New York. He was raised in Rochelle Park, New Jersey and graduated from Hackensack High School in 1949. He served in the US Navy on the ice breaker USS Burton Island during the Korean War. He would often reminisce about his experiences in both the arctic and Antarctica. Jerry graduated from Long Beach State and received a masters degree from Pepperdine University which he used during his 30 plus years in education in Bellflower and Gilroy, CA. He enjoyed 20 years on his apple farm as well as volunteering for numerous groups while in Watsonville, CA. He continued his passion for volunteering in Ft. Collins, CO. Jerry loved being a member of numerous Methodist congregations in Fullerton, CA, Watsonville, CA, and Ft. Collins, CO, serving God in outreach to others in the community and beyond. His humor and corny jokes made him a memorable character that always tried to lighten the mood of any group he encountered. Jerry always enjoyed exploring; trailer camping with his family, he explored numerous state and national parks throughout North America during summer breaks. He loved spending his retirement traveling around the world in style with his soulmate, Bonny. They enjoyed experiencing 35 countries together. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Bonny, six children: Cheryl Sicher, Mary Jo Raymond, Marcy Lae, David Albert, Matthew Thomas, & Mark Thomas, their spouses, fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Read More Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Gerald Nelson Thomas