Marvin Thomas

Marvin E. “Marv” Thomas, 78, of Newton died on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 21, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Memorials to Marvin’s family may be left at the funeral home.

Marvin, the son of Herbert and Marie (Pentico) Thomas, was born on May 15, 1939 in Newton.  He graduated from Newton High School in 1957.  After graduation, Marvin worked at the Maytag Company before serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1959-1961.

On October 13, 1962, Marv was united in marriage with Arlene Plate at the United Presbyterian Church in Newton.  Shortly after he returned to Maytag where he would work for over 35 years, retiring in 2000.  Marv was a member of the UAW Local 997 and had volunteered at the Newton Community Theater. He enjoyed NASCAR and going to races at the Iowa Speedway.  He also liked to travel and watch football and baseball. 

Marv is survived by his wife, Arlene Thomas of Newton; children, Lynn Thomas of Omaha, Nebraska and Doug (Beth) Thomas of Pekin, Illinois; grandchildren, Madison and Zach Thomas; his brothers, Richard Thomas of Newton, Larry (Marjorie) Thomas of Newton, and Keith (Janet) Thomas of Farmington, Minnesota.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Thomas.

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