Gerald Edward Thomas

Gerald “Jerry” Thomas, 87, passed away Friday, December 1, 2023, at his home. Jerry was born on March 4, 1936, in El Dorado, Kansas, he moved to a Morris County farm when he was 5 years old. Jerry was the son of Fredrick Thomas and Ruby Whitaker and brother of Ralph Thomas.

Jerry grew up helping his parents farm and was driving a tractor at a very young age. He graduated from Council Grove High School and attended Kansas State University. In 1975, he farmed with his father, raising crops and backgrounding beef cattle. He was a member of the Army Reserves.

Jerry was a Kansas State Farmer in FFA and was a member of the top 4H Livestock Judging team at the Kansas State Fair and the American Royal. He was a 4H Livestock Leader. 4H and ranching in the Flint Hills were important to Jerry.

Jerry married Bonnie Schmedemann on December 7, 1962; she survives. Also surviving are his children:  Amy Hosier and husband Dave, of Lenexa, KS and Tarah Fleischman of Wausau, WI; grandchildren: Logan Hosier of Olathe, KS, Jordan Hosier of San Diego, CA, Payton Hosier of Fayetteville, AR, Macey Fleischman Antigo, WI, Cheyann Fleischman of Bowler, WI and Cody Fleischman of Wausau, WI.

Jerry and his family were honored as the American Royal Kansas Farm Family of the year in 1980.  He Served on District 417 Board of Education. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church Emporia.

Memorial contributions may be made to Morris County 4H Foundation and sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.

Services will be held at a  later date.