Myles H. Thomas Jr., 85, of La Plata, Missouri, passed away Saturday, February 18, 2023 at The Pines in Kirksville, Missouri.
Myles was born January 24, 1938 in Bloomfield, Iowa, the son of Myles H. Sr. and Bernice (Barber) Thomas. He was united in marriage to Sheila Stearns in Boca Ciega, Florida on May 16, 1960.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila; two sons, Shawn Thomas and wife, Gerlinde of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Loren Thomas of Lake City, Florida.
Myles was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Tea Thomas.
Myles graduated high school in Boca Ciega, Florida. After graduating high school, he moved to Pinellas Park, Florida before enlisting in the United States Army in 1960. Myles served in Vietnam and was stationed in Germany for most of his military career. He was awarded four Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, Army Accommodation Medal. During his career he was an Army instructor in CBR training and a member of Alpha Team Chemical Corp. Myles retired from the Army as a Sergeant First Class.
Myles become a pastor after his military career, ministering at several churches. He was an associate pastor at the Norwood Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. After moving to La Plata in 1999, Myles served as pastor of Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Kirkville; and pastor of the House of Worship Church in Greentop, Missouri.
A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri.
Memorial donations in memory of Myles may be made to the American Legion Post 282 and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.