July 11, 1944 - August 7, 2020
Van Nathaniel Thomas, Jr., 76, of Gassville, Arkansas passed away Friday, August 7, 2020 in Mountain Home, Arkansas. He was born on July 11, 1944 to the late Van Nathaniel Thomas, Sr. and Audrey Hayes Thomas in Gassville.
Van was a lifetime resident of Gassville and graduated from Cotter High School in 1962. He became a member of Gassville Baptist Church at the age of thirteen. Van served in the Army Reserve from 1965 to 1971 and was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over fifty years. Van was a successful businessman owning and operating Van Thomas Auto Sales for fifty-five years. He took pride in selling quality vehicles and building lasting relationships. He enjoyed farming and cherished the cowboy camaraderie and lifelong friendships made in those circles. He loved country music, college basketball, and sharing stories with friends and family.
Van was a devoted father and leaves behind two daughters: Vanessa Thomas Jones (Jayme) and Natalie Thomas Gress (Jason); one sister: Patsy Hammock; two brothers: Ronnie Thomas (Ann), Wayne Thomas (Juanita); his dear friend, Willa Mae Tilley; several nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother in law, Leroy Hammock.
Pallbearers are: Luke Walker, Tom Silzell, Alan Henderson, Ron Foster, Kenneth Don Foster, and Doug Foster. Honorary pallbearers are: Jerry Silzell, Jerry Webb, Ken Foster, Stanley Seymore, Robert Rasmussen, Mike Hood, Joe Reeves, Mike Swetnam, Kenny Booth, Lonnie Hayes, Jerry Ray, and Cary Ray.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 10, 2020, at Gassville Cemetery with Brother Gary Wise officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks, 701 Burnett Drive, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653 or the Backpack Program at Gassville Baptist Church, 508 East Main Street, Gassville, Arkansas 72635.
Due to COVID-19, we are complying with Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. Face coverings are required. All attendees must provide their own face covering.
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29 Condolence(s)
Bryan and Brenda Callantine
Friday, August 21, 2020
So very sorry to have just seen this. Our hearts and prayers go out to all family and friends.
Marcia Booth
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
So sorry to hear of Bud's passing. He was a great friend to my dad, Kenny, and I know he will be missed. My thoughts are with his family.
Bill & Chris Johnson
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Robert Treece & Mary Staples
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
We have lost a great man--so sorry for your loss.
Bob and Juanita Swetnam
Monday, August 10, 2020
So very sorry for the loss of Van. We bought several cars from him and he alway's made sure we were happy with the vehicle. We would go visit wit him in his trailer before he built his new building. He was a wonderful man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Bob, Juanita and Seth Swetnam
Susan Havens
Monday, August 10, 2020
Patsy, I was so sorry to hear of your brother's death. Although I never met him I know you are a close family. My condolences go out to you and the rest of your family. I know he will be missed.
Nathan & Teresa Smith
Monday, August 10, 2020
He was a good man. Prayers for your family.
Danny Porter
Monday, August 10, 2020
Growing up in Ft Smith back in the 50s I would ride the bus with my mom up to Gassville and stay with my cousins on their family dairy farm. It was part of my growing up process and it was a wonderful experience and even though it was I long time ago I still remember and cherish those memories.
Donnie Pitchford
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Sad for Bud's passing but asking prayers for all of you. May God wrap his comforting arms around you and give you peace.
Bill Weaver
Sunday, August 9, 2020
there have only been a few in my life I have looked up to with the level of respect I did (and still do) this fine man.
May god hold your hand Bud.
Bill
Kenneth H. Hayes
Sunday, August 9, 2020
A fine gentleman who always treated all well. He is going to be with old friends and family who have made a place for him.
Richard Ray
Sunday, August 9, 2020
I can remember as a child going with my dad to pick up a new car my had gotten thru Van. Later in life, I did too. My condolences to the family and friends.
Joe & Pam Booth
Sunday, August 9, 2020
God rest you from pain and suffering.
Richard Queen
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Family and friends of Van. I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to each of you during this difficult time. Prayers.
STAN & MAXINE BRIDGMAN
Sunday, August 9, 2020
PATSY AND FAMILY,
We are so sorry to hear of Van's passing. May the Lord give you comfort and peace in this time of sorrow.
Stan (Dale) & Maxine
Joyce Kempf
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Patsy and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loved one passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
God bless you all.
Aaron Tilley
Sunday, August 9, 2020
We are so very sorry for the loss of Van. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May Van rest in peace. God Bless!!
Tammy & Elvin Dale Weaver
Sunday, August 9, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences are with you and your family. May God bless you in this time of need and give you strength to make it through. With love and respect.
Donna kaye benton treat
Sunday, August 9, 2020
I got my first car from van. 1985 tempo. Very kind and honest man. My mom and dad got lots of vechies from him. God bless your family.
Mike and Dianna Roller
Sunday, August 9, 2020
To all of Van's family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you at this very difficult time. Mr Thomas was a wonderful community member supporting activities in and around Gassville. He will be missed by all of those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved him.
Sincerely;
Mike and Dianna Roller
Linda Sherman Carter
Sunday, August 9, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. I remember working on his vehicles over the years. We even detailed his tractors every fall. He had such an infectious smile. My thoughts are with his girls and the rest of his family. Go rest high on that mountain.
Mary Nida Smith
Saturday, August 8, 2020
I am sorry to hear the sad new. Prayers for family for peace and comfort.
Jayme Jones
Saturday, August 8, 2020
I feel very lucky that I got to be a part of Van Jr’s family. I will miss spending time with him and hearing all his words of wisdom.
The Perkey Family
Saturday, August 8, 2020
With sympathy, we Send Love and Prayers.
joe Smith
Saturday, August 8, 2020
We are so sorry about Van, he always had a smile, and a happy greeting, he will be missed. Joe and Linda Smith
Mark Ray
Saturday, August 8, 2020
With Prayers Sandra and Mark
Teresa Nelson
Saturday, August 8, 2020
Our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Kevin and Christine Thomas
Saturday, August 8, 2020
Kerry Baxter
Saturday, August 8, 2020
Natalie and Vanessa,
Praying for you both and all those who love will miss your Dad tremendously. Praying for peace and strength in the coming days.