Howard Thomas

Howard Thomas, 85, of Gladbrook, IA passed away Monday, August 10, 2026, at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Peace Church in Gladbrook. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Graceland Cemetery in Webster City, IA. Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Howard Edward was born August 25, 1940, to Harry and Dora (Shriver) Thomas in Goodland, KS. He graduated from East High in Waterloo, IA with the class of 1958. Howard went on to earn his degree from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) and worked as a teacher for 10 years. He later went into food sales and worked for Ackley Foods in Ackley, IA and Oconomowoc Canning Co in Oconomowoc, WI.

Howard was united in marriage to Pamela (Patterson) Parrish on October 6, 1990. He was a member of the Peace Church in Gladbrook, and former member of the Lions in Juneau, WI. Howard enjoyed any time spent with his family.

An avid sports fan throughout his life, he would be honored if family and friends wore their Green Bay Packers gear or their favorite team’s colors to celebrate his life.

Howard will be missed by his wife of 35 years, Pam Thomas of Gladbrook, three children; Seth Thomas of Woodward, IA, Todd (Terri) Parrish of LeGrand, IA, and Traci (Rick) Fritz of Cape Coral, FL, six grandchildren; Sophia Thomas of Ames, IA, Erick (Emma) Bird of Jacksonville, FL, Alex Bird of Dubuque, IA, Adam Bird (Libby Foland) of Mooresville, NC, Trevor (Brooke) Parrish of LeGrand, and Tanner (Melanie) Parrish of Lisbon, IA, and two great-grandchildren, Rhett and Maelynn Parrish of LeGrand. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings; Koy Snowbarger, Mary Ellen Shurtz, and Wesley Thomas.