March 29, 2024

Douglas Ray Thomas

April 11, 2021

Douglas Ray Thomas, 73, of Colfax, passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. A celebration of Doug’s life will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 13 at the Howard Street Christian Church. Doug has donated his body to Des Moines University. Memorials may be directed to MercyOne Hospice and condolences may be left for the family at coburnfuneralhomes.com

The son of Hiram A and Judith E. (Lester) Thomas, Doug was born May 13, 1947, in Des Moines. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1966 and then Lincoln Tech in auto mechanics in 1968. On Nov. 22, 1968, he was united in marriage to LiJean Williams at the United Methodist Church in Prairie City. Doug worked on cars for more than 35 years in Des Moines and Colfax. He was a member of the Howard Street Christian Church, The Iowa Street Rod Association, Izaak Walton League and the Colfax Country Club. He previously served on the Colfax Fire And Ambulance. Doug had a passion for old cars, Hot Wheels, model cars and trains.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, LiJean; daughters, Rhonda Hall and Margaret Gillihan; son-in-law, James Gillihan, Bobbi Riggan and Tami (Bryan) Vaughn; seven grandchildren, Derrick (Jadi) Thomas, Stephaney Gillihan, Rayna Thomas, Aden Hall, Jesica Jones, Rian Good and Joshua Neuman; and nine great-grandchildren, Jaiden Cunningham, Kamden Thomas, Oaklynn Thomas, Keldan Pugh, Lillie Jones, Jonnie Jones, Gracie Jones, Bennie Jones and Raidyn Good; as well as cousins; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Doug in death were his parents; and a sister, Debra Pion.