John Wesley Thomas, 77, of Elkhart, IN went Home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

John was born in Des Moines, IA on July 18, 1949 to the late, Glen Thomas and Marian (Bryant) Larsen. He married the love of his life, Anne Rose (Chapinski) Thomas on July 15, 1995 and they were later blessed in the Catholic Church in April of 2001.

John is survived by his wife of 31 years, Anne Rose Thomas of Elkhart; daughters, Lori Holt (Robert), Amy (Jon) Stallman and Carrie Mohr; stepchildren, Matthew (April) Rushenberg, Timothy (Kristin) Rushenberg, Joanna Rushenberg and Phillip (Heather) Rushenberg; and grandchildren, Sam, Sydney, Mia, Jake, Mackenzie, Taylor, Isabella, Mary, John, Alaina, Charles, Maggie, Aubrey, Michael, Luke, Joseph, Madison, Peter, Max and Nicholas; and bonus grandchildren, Marion (Samantha) and Oliver.

Born and raised with a heart for service, John graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Drake University. He went on to build a distinguished career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and accomplished tax partner with McGladrey, later retiring from Miller Monuments.

John’s professional success was matched by his deep commitment to his community. A true civic leader, he dedicated his time and leadership as a board member of the YMCA and was a passionate supporter of numerous organizations, including Caps (Child and Parent Services), the American Cancer Society, Rotary, and Junior Achievement.

A man of unwavering faith, John, alongside his beloved wife, Anne, was an active and faithful member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He truly embodied the tenets of his devout Catholic faith in everything he did.

John never knew a stranger. Social, kind, and genuinely generous, he was a kid at heart who loved a good joke and was known for offering exceptional advice. In his free time, John found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether he was spending the day outside on his John Deere tractor or visiting the gun range. Above all, his family was his life, and he cherished his role as a doting grandfather.

Visitation for John will be on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:30 pm at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 North Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46514 with Fr. Logan Parrish officiating. There will be an hour of visitation before the start of the Mass from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

A graveside service with burial will follow at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Elkhart.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Alzheimer’s Society of Elkhart County or CAPS (Child and Parent Services).

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.