Jack K. Thomas

Pastor Jack Knight Thomas, 92, of Goshen, died Saturday, August 21, 2021 at his home.

He was born in Marion on May 14, 1929 to J. Ward and Leona (Davidson) Thomas.

In 1954 he married his love, Delores A. Handley, R.N.  Upon graduation from Evangelical Theological Seminary, he and Delores were appointed as Missionaries to Sierra Leone, Africa, where they ministered from 1955 until 1967. Son, Stanton Ray and daughter, Tonda Lei were born in Sierra Leone.

When health reasons forced them to give up mission service, Jack pastored churches in Muncie, New Haven, Ft. Wayne, Huntington, Goshen, and Wolcottville. He also served on the Bishop’s Cabinet in the North Indiana Annual Conference, and upon his retirement he became the first Director of Development of Bashor Children’s Home, a position held for seven years. Still later, what Jack called, “a really fun job in retirement” was delivering new ambulances for a local manufacturer. “It didn’t pay a lot, but since I love to drive, we saw a lot of the USA and met wonderful first responders all over the country.” He was a member of the Goshen Rotary club where he was a “Paul Harris Fellow.”

He was preceded in death by his beautiful bride, Delores, and his two brothers, Bill and Joe.

He is survived by his children, Stan and Judy (Bechtel) Thomas, and Tonda and Howard Langdon; as well as five grandchildren, Sarah (Ithipon) Choomchaiyo, Cole (Rebekah) Thomas, Hannah (Brad) Stutzman, Cheryl (Bryan) Meyers, and Trisha (Jeff) Chupp; and 12 great grandchildren, Genevieve, Lennox, Ayden, Caleb, Aylah, Gracelynn, Elijah, Olivia, Benjamin, Della, Maximus and Rozlynn.  He prayed daily for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and foster great grandchildren.

From youth onward, two of Jack’s favorite activities were athletics and singing. In University and Graduate School, he was a member of the traveling choirs, and at Taylor University was first tenor in the “T-Club Quartet.” Even as his body aged, he kept ‘in shape’ and enjoyed playing racquetball regularly with a group of retired friends; playing his last game just days before his 89 ^th birthday.

He loved to read and study, and became a committed creationist for the past twenty years. He was always eager to discuss these subjects with anyone whether they agreed or disagreed with him.

His family loved him deeply and will miss his interest in their lives, his attention to detail, his abundant stories, and his desire to make sure things were “just right.” We know he is overjoyed to be reunited with his lifelong bride, and basking in the light of Jesus.

According to Jack’s wishes, cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory.

A private family celebration will be held at his daughter’s home at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Bethel University, Mishawaka nursing program, designated for textbooks, in honor of Delores. https://www.betheluniversity.edu/