Delbert Thomas Jr.

Delbert (D.L.) Lee Thomas Jr., 83, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord Aug. 14, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

D.L. was born Aug. 3, 1940, to Delbert and Pearl Hester Thomas in Poplar Bluff. He married Imogene Mitchener Oct. 20, 1964, and together they raised five children. They were united in marriage by Rev. Vernon Kneir in the Grace Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff.

D.L. graduated high school in 1959. After graduating he went to work as a pipeliner across the United States, starting as a laborer, then operator, and finished his career as a tie-in foreman for Dewayne Barber of Sheehan Pipline Construction, working under Michael Curran and several others.

He joined the church and was baptized in 1998. He then served as Deacon of Twin Oaks Baptist Church and worked tirelessly for the church and wanted everyone to spend eternity with the Lord. He got an award from the church for all his hard work. After retirement, he and his loving wife spent time in Florida and Mississippi fishing and he also loved spending time at home with his loved ones; children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

D.L. is survived by his wife of 58 years; three children: Pamela Harris, Jim and Debbie Hensley, and Teresa Barker; five grandchildren; Kristi Ryman, Michael and Jayne Lunsford, Jean and Matt Tourbille, Nichole and Jack Francis, Justin Summers; and 12 great-grandchildren; Josh and Abby Ryman, Lane, Katelyn, and Matelyn Lunsford, Camlyn, Kynlee, and Aden Summers, Aryanna and Sierra Smith, and Denzel and Dawson Francis; one great-great-grandchild: Calic Chrisman; and two siblings: Shirley Essary and Gary Thomas.

D.L. was preceded in death by his parents; two children: Barbara Lunsford and Beverly Conner: two grandchildren; Scott Smith and Bryan Lunsford; two great-grandchildren: Trenton and Gracie Ryman; and one brother: Donald Thomas.

Visitation will be held beginning at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, with funeral services immediately following at 1 p.m. at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff. Burial will be at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery with James Greer officiating.

Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Delbert (D.L.) Lee Thomas Jr.