Lelon “Hoot” Edward Thomas 98 of Boaz, born January 17, 1926 in Marshall County, AL and passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in Boaz.
He is preceded in death by: Father, Nola Thomas; Mother, Lillian Thomas; Wife, Geneva “Nickey” Springfield Thomas and later in life, Inece Cook Thomas, Sister, Beatrice Thomas Allen; and his daughter, Gloria Thomas-Ricci.
He is survived by his granddaughters, Heather Sawatski McGuire (Jeffery), Jessica Sawatski Chastain (Sean), Stephanie Sawatski Applegate (Ryan); great grandchildren, Emily Mcguire, Kimberly Mcguire Wacter (Matthew), Madeline Hall, Julia and Brianna Chastain, Harper and Amelia Applegate, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Hoot grew up in the Marshall County area. He served in the Army during the European Liberation Campaign of WWII. After the war he returned home to his wife Nickey. They and their daughter Gloria moved to Chicago, where he worked for General Motors 1955 to 1985. In retirement Hoot and Nickey returned to Alabama to enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Guntersville. Where they were happy to be home for the rest of their 52 year marriage until Nickey’s unfortunate passing.
Hoot was truly a man of God. He was always up to discuss his beliefs. He studied the Bible, history, and maps to understand and immerse himself completely in God’s word. Over the years he led many Bible studies and Sunday school groups and served as Deacon of his churches Hillcrest Baptist in Illinois and Mt. Vernon Baptist here in Boaz. Later in life he became a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Boaz, where he continued his devotion. When he was no longer physically able to attend, he was ministered to by many deacons and pastors at Branchwater Assisted Living.
His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Albertville Memorial Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Bro. Don Corbin, Bro. Bill Rucker will officiate the service. A eulogy will be given by Jeffery McGuire. Music will be provided by Leslie Crum and Terry Austin. Pallbearers will be Ryan Applegate, Sean Chastain, Jeffery McGuire, Dana Springfield, Mark Springfield, Phillip Springfield, Matthew Wacter and Ricky Young. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to The Gideons International at gideons.org.
Albertville Memorial Chapel Directing
