W. C. "Dub" Thomas

W. C. (Dub) Thomas Jr., was born to Willis Chancy Thomas and Maybell Perry Thomas in Lindsay, Oklahoma, on January 3, 1925.

W. C. Sr. was a share-cropper during the 1929 depression. Maybell helped out on the farm but also canned and did seamstress work to help with keeping the family afloat. All the kids worked along-side the parents farming, cutting broomcorn and trapping animals for furs to sell. Everyone chipped in. When World War II broke out Douglas, Dub’s brother, was drafted into the U.S. Army and was later killed in action during the “Battle of the Bulge”. Dub enlisted in the U.S. Navy after his junior year at Dibble High School foregoing his senior year. In 2013, Dub was awarded an Honorary High School Diploma by the State and Dibble High School which was very important to him and made him very proud.

Dub served in the Navy for three years in the Pacific Theater engaged in combat at sea. Aboard the USS Barataria, a seaplane tender, he participated in the first strike sea bombardment of the Japanese islands. He was honorably discharged in 1946, at the rank of Sonarman III Class.

On October 19, 1946, he married the love of his life, Imogene Berkley and made their home in Lindsay. In 1947, he went to work for Floyd Garrett Chevrolet in the body shop under the watchful eye of Merl Hyden who taught Dub how to do auto body repair and make a living post military service.  Dub and Imogene eventually went into business for themselves where they successfully operated Thomas Body Shop for 30 years.

Dub was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church, Lindsay, Oklahoma, a former deacon, a loyal follower of Jesus Christ and a planter of seed.  He was also an avid gardener, providing vegetables to family, church members and some strangers who found sacks of fresh veggies out at the road for the taking.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Imogene Thomas of the home.  Sons: Terry Douglas and wife, Ann of Lindsay and Michael David and wife, Della of Lindsay.  Grandchildren: Brandon Gene Thomas; Kimberly Thomas Tigert and husband, Todd; Jared Griffith Thomas and wife, Stephanie and Brandi Thomas Bussard and husband, Curtis.  Great grandchildren: Skylar Brooks and husband, Kaleb; Brody, Brooklin, Case, Cruz, Kambri, Klayli and Ky Bussard; Kolbi and Kelbi Jones; Whitli Montante and husband, Uli; Austyn, Ava and Jonah Thomas, Blakely and Brooks Tigert. Great great grandchild: Kaygen Montante

Dub was preceded in death by his parents, W. C. Sr. and Maybell Thomas; brother, Clarence Douglas Thomas, KIA WWII, and sisters, Gladys Tucker and Thelma Whisenhunt; 2 great granddaughters, Tylar Thomas and Karis Bussard and 1 great great granddaughter, Kiya Montante.

In lieu of flower, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 410 West Chickasaw Street, Lindsay, Oklahoma, 73052.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at the Calvary Baptist Church, Lindsay, Oklahoma with Bro. Brandon Cottrell officiating.  Burial will be in the Green Hill Cemetery, Lindsay under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home, Maysville, Oklahoma.  Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.winansfuneralhome.com.