Vernon Earl Thomas Jr., 75 of Greeley, CO went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 20, 2016. He passed away due to complications of a massive stroke.

He was born on October 22, 1940 in Valentine, NE to Vernon Earl and Ida Louise (Mizner) Thomas. He was the youngest of 5 children.

Vern married Erma Allshouse on June 7, 1959 in Valentine, NE. In 1969 they moved to Pierre, SD where Vern managed the Credit Bureau, sold real estate and ran the Terrace Motel. In 1982 they moved to Eaton, CO where Vern sold cars at Garnsey & Wheeler for 20 years before retiring in 2002. Soon after, he had the pleasure of driving part-time for Tanco Engineering, it was his dream retirement job. Vern traveled all over the US enjoying all the folks he met along the way.

He was a member of the Fellowship Church in Greeley, CO and belonged to various clubs and organizations, of which CBMC was instrumental in strengthening his faith in Jesus.

Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Erma; his daughters, Laura (Steve) Ehrlich, Lanay (Brian) Smallwood and Zanette Grubbs; his 10 grandchildren, Tim (Megan) Ehrlich, Stephanie (Bryson) Miller, Rachel (Jacob) Whitacre, Melissa (Grant) Stewart, Nick (Kass) Smallwood, Eric Smallwood, Josh (Amanda) Smallwood, April Smallwood (Landon Clement), Ashley (Pat) McDonald, and Zoey (Kawika) Cornelius; 8 precious great-grandchildren; and his brother Clair Thomas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Ida Thomas; his sister, Tomi Parker and brothers, Keith and Don Thomas.

A memorial service will be held at 10am Friday, June 24, 2016 at the Evangelical Free Church, 1325 3rd St. in Eaton, CO. Memorial gifts may be made to the Fellowship Church to support their orphanage in Peru.