Leonard "LaVerne" Thomas, age 90, of Centerville, Iowa, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. He was born the son of Newton A. and Hannah M. (Cunningham)Thomas on November 21, 1921 in Centerville, Iowa.

On September 9, 1944, LaVerne began serving his country in the United States Army with the 6th Signal Corp and was honorably discharged on September 29, 1946. On July 19, 1948, LaVerne was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Betty" McFall in Rock Island, Illinois. He worked in a Coal Mine in Appanoose County, the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois. After moving back to Centerville he became a truck driver, and he drove for Baxter Box Company, Ideal Ready Mix Plant, North American Van Lines and Consolidated Freight Company. He served as the Street Commissioner for the City of Centerville for many years before retiring. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion both in Centerville.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Thomas on May 28, 2012; brothers, Noah, Vernon, Gene, Lynn and Wendell Thomas; sisters, Irene Sales, Sandy Thomas, Dorothy Chellas, Elaine Crowe and Maxine Fenton; half-brother, Bob Burkhiser.

LaVerne is survived by: his sons, Rev. Terry N. Thomas and his wife, Diane of Palm Coast, Florida and Dale Thomas and his wife, Debbie of Centerville, Iowa; grandchildren, Randon Thomas and his wife, Clarissia of Centerville, Iowa, Darcy Novotny and her husband, Cody of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Krystal Thomas of Centerville, Iowa, Tiffany and Theresa Thomas both of Palm Coast, Florida.

A Celebration of LaVerne's Life will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 11 am at the Solid Rock Church of God in Centerville with family friend and Pastor, Kristopher Wattelet officiating. Burial of ashes will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. No visitation will be held, the family will greet friends at the church on
Tuesday 1 hour before the service. Memorials can be made to either the Solid Rock Church of God in Centerville or Evangel Assembly of God in Palm Coast, Florida. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Centerville, Iowa has been entrusted with the arrangements for the Thomas family.