Edward Joel Thomas

Edward Joel Thomas, 63, left the loving arms of family into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at his Topeka, KS home. He was born June 16, 1953, in Topeka, KS, the son of Merle F. and Donna Faye (Kennedy) Thomas.

Ed graduated from Seaman High School in 1971. He worked for BNSF for 37 years, retiring in December, 2012, as BNSF Shops facility supervisor/general foreman. He attended Bethel Baptist Church of Topeka.

Ed was married to Betty Daugherty, they later divorced. On July 4, 1999, he was married to Diane Carol (Jacobson) Hoover at Miami, OK.

Surviving are his wife: Diane Thomas of the home; children: Joleen Rector (Jay) of Topeka, KS and Jody Edward Thomas of Colorado Springs, CO; step-children: Darren Hoover of Ottawa, KS and Tracci Hoover of Topeka, KS; mother: Donna Kelly of Colorado Springs, CO; siblings: Steve Thomas (Sherry) of Topeka, Mike Thomas of Overland Park, KS, Brenda Roy (Tracy) of Elbert, CO, and Scott Thomas of Colorado Springs, CO; brother-in-law: Rick Blackwell of Willard, MO; seven grandchildren: Jennifer Rector, Stephen Rector, Dakota Rector, Zane Rector, Casey Thomas, Lauren Shoemaker, and Jaugger Edward Thomas all of Topeka; three step-grandchildren: Darcci Witt (Packard), Anna Motto (Marcus Fender), and John Motto all of Topeka; two great-grandchildren: Alexis Richmond and Jace Edward Thomas; four step-great-grandchildren: Remy Heise, Wesson Heise, Archer Smull, and Hudson Witt; aunt: Bertha Thomas of Topeka; brother-in-law: Lynn R. Jacobson (Anna) of Salina; many nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great-nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by father: Merle Thomas; step-father: Verle Kelly; sister: Sandra Blackwell; parents-in-law: Carl F. and Faye (Rock) Jacobson; brothers-in-law: Loyd I. Jacobson and Mark G. Jacobson; and step-great-granddaughter: Pfieffer Fender.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Bethel Baptist Church, 4011 North Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS. Interment will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS. Ed will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Monday, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka, KS, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 4011 North Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66617 or Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606-2800.