John Thomas

John Evan Thomas, III, 84

Casper, Wyoming

John went to be with Jesus on July 12, 2025 at the Kloefkorn Hospice Home in Casper, Wyoming.

He was born April 27, 1941, in Birmingham, Alabama, to John Evan Thomas, Jr. of Birmingham, Alabama and Willie Mae Frances Dugger of Marion County, Alabama. While in college at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, he met the love of his life, Linda Gail Parker. They were married August 23, 1962 in Glencoe, Alabama and enjoyed 62 years together.

John grew up in Homewood, Alabama and went to church regularly at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. He devoted his life to Christ and dedicated his life to serving Him. He enjoyed singing with church and school choirs, and as an adult, the Alabama Singing Men. He graduated from Shades Valley High School in 1959. After graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in Music with a minor in English from Jacksonville State University in 1964, he attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated with his Master’s degree in Music in 1966. He and Gail had fond memories of their time in New Orleans.

Over many years, he served as Minister of Music in Southern Baptist Churches in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. In 1984, he was called to serve Boyd Avenue Baptist Church in Casper, Wyoming as Minister of Music. He also served as the Music Education Director of the Wyoming Southern Baptist Convention. This job allowed him to travel and get familiar with the Southern Baptist churches across the state of Wyoming. At Boyd Avenue, he and Gail made many lasting friendships over the years. He had fond memories of directing the Christmas and Easter cantatas each year. In 2007, he retired from Boyd Avenue, but he always expressed his gratitude for serving alongside a loving congregation and pastors. He remained a faithful member and prayer warrior of the church following his retirement.

John and Gail enjoyed the great outdoors and all that Wyoming had to offer. They shared fond memories of hiking on Casper Mountain, Muddy Mountain, and backpacking in the Bighorn Mountain Range. They enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, traveling, and having picnics with their family. They were often seen walking at Edness K. Wilkins State Park.

John loved the Lord and his desire was for all to know the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He loved helping people, especially those who were downtrodden. He happily used music to inspire others and encouraged his children and grandchildren to love and appreciate music.

Surviving John are his sister, Linda Thomas Grote (Phil) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; son, Jeff Thomas (Margaret); daughter, Susan Foery (Jason); two grandchildren, Martin Thomas Foery and Shelby Rose Foery, all of Casper, Wyoming.

He was preceded by death by his wife, parents, and grandparents.

A viewing will take place at Bustard and Jacoby Funeral Home in Casper, Wyoming on Wednesday, July 16th from 9:45-10:15 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service at Highland Cemetery will immediately follow the service, with a reception at Bustard and Jacoby Funeral Home afterward provided by Boyd Avenue Baptist Church. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Boyd Avenue Baptist Church, 1930 Boyd Avenue, Casper, Wy 82604.