Wayne R. Thomas 72, of Sumner, died Thursday, October 1, 2015, at his home in rural Sumner.

Private family services will be held at a later date. 

Wayne Roger son of William and Eleanor (Ehlers) Thomas, was born, November 10, 1942, at the family farm in rural Sumner. He was baptized on May 2, 1943, and confirmed April 1, 1957, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner. He received his education in the Sumner Schools. He served in the United States Marine Corps from March of 1961 to March of 1967. He was stationed in Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam, where he was in combat. After honorably serving his country, he worked for John Deere and farmed for many years. He would later work for Wonder Bread, from which he retired in the spring of 2007. Wayne was very active with the Salvation Army in Waterloo and also enjoyed the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. He enjoyed building things, being outdoors, fishing, hunting, or watching and feeding squirrels.

Wayne is survived by two children, Jenifer (Gerry) Frost of Evansdale, and James David Thomas of Mississippi; three grandchildren, Michael (Bobbie) Champion, Bryce Frost, and Leah Frost; one great-grandchild, Peyton Champion; one sister, Sharon (Fred) Rovere of Columbus, Ohio; and special friends Jacqueline (David) Slick of Sumner.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by two brothers, Lyle and Jim Thomas.