Rolland F. Thomas entered into eternal rest on Feb. 1, 2023, at the age of 89 years. Rolland was born July 30, 1933, to Fritz and Emily (Wallis) Thomas in Mondamin. He was raised in Mondamin and graduated from Mondamin High School in 1951. Rolland proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He married his wife of sixty-six years, Carolyn Dow, in July of 1953. The couple made their home in Mondamin where he farmed, raised a family and sold seed for DeKalb. Rolland loved farming and the Iowa State Fair and could talk for hours about both. He especially liked large family gatherings with lots of food. After retiring he spent hours in his garden. He enjoyed delivering green beans, tomatoes and sweet corn to friends and neighbors.
He was a man of great faith and would jot down a scripture for just about any occasion in his daily journal. God had a final work for him as an ambassador of faith and goodwill to his friends at Fox Run Assisted Living. He had compassion for his fellow residents and was always there lending a helping hand because they needed him.
Rolland was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn; brothers, Mickey, Larry and Norvin; and sisters, June Johnson and Joan Hansen. Survivors include his daughter, Laurie and her husband Ron Bell of Council Bluffs; son, Barry Thomas and Lorraine of Modale; grandsons, Dustin Bell of Mondamin and Cole Bell of Council Bluffs; step-granddaughter, Paige Johnsen; great-grandsons, Parker and Lane; brother, Jerry Thomas of Mondamin; sister, Peggy McColley of Mondamin; as well as many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, at Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine. Beth Fouts and Ron Bell presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “Supper Time” by Joey and Rory, “Grandpa Told Me So” by Kenny Chesney and “It Is No Secret” by Jim Reeves. The pallbearers were Barry Thomas, Dustin Bell, Cole Bell, Chad Wilson, Parker Miller, Ron Bell and Lane Bell. Rolland’s final resting place is at the Harris Grove Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
