Obituary of Gelerd "Dale" Thomas

Gelerd “Dale” Thomas, 82, husband of LaDonna Popplewell Thomas, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2022. He was born in Liberty, KY on August 25, 1940 to the late Edna Tarter and Willie Thomas. Mr. Thomas was self-employed and worked as a custom woodworker for his own company, Thomas Contract Casework. He was also a member of Southland Christian Church.  

The only One he loved more than his wife of 62 years, LaDonna, his daughters, Terrie and Tracy, and all of his precious grandchildren, was Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. 

He lived his life so that everyone he encountered would get a glimpse of the God he so passionately loved and served. From his bold t-shirt’s, to the way he did his business, everyone could truly say that Dale Thomas was “different” and definitely in a good way. He made friends everywhere he went and will always be remembered as a man who would make you smile (and maybe even laugh out loud!) before he went on to completely change your day.  

He left people “better” than he found them. And that will be one of the things most remembered about him.  

While he will be so missed by those here on earth who loved him deeply, we know that he has gone  ahead to help prepare our homes in Heaven….and the woodworking upgrades will be glorious!:)  

As someone he loved dearly recently said “two carpenters….sure will have a lot to talk about…”  

To all of his family, friends, and acquaintances he would say this:  

“Do not grieve for me because I am finally 

 Home…..You just make sure You get there!  

Jesus and I will be waiting for You.” 

Besides his wife, LaDonna, those left to cherish his memory includes his daughters, Terrie (Michael) Ach, and Tracy (James) Whitten; grandchildren, Kelsey (Mason) King, Ethan (Lauren) Whitten, Bitty (Travis) Rose, Evanne (Christian) Fielden, Trey Whitten, and Clay (Bri) Ach; and seven great grandchildren: Camden, Aiden, Ryan, and Hudson Whitten, Elsie and Ezra Rose, and Noah Rose King. He is also survived by his sister, June (Marshall) Wooldridge.  

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Janouise (Albert) Swanson.   

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 2PM-4PMat Clark Legacy Center, Brannon Crossing to celebrate the life of Mr. Thomas.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jubilee Jobs of Lexington