Elias Thomas
November 4, 1931 ~ July 21, 2022
Elias Thomas of Wichita, Kansas passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2022, in the company of loved ones. Elias was born to Albert and Elizabeth Thomas November 4, 1931 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
After graduation from high school, he attended Wichita State University on an athletic scholarship excelling as a tight end on the football team. It was at WSU that he met his wife, Kathy Hieger. Together they raised 5 children.
Elias served his country honorably in the infantry from 1954-1956.
In 1979 Elias married Shirley Doerflinger adding another child to his family. The couple remained together until Elias’s departure from this earth.
Throughout his life Elias embraced religion remaining active in several Wichita area churches. Elias extended his Christian ethic to local volunteerism often seen on hot days performing lawn services within the neighborhood. Throughout his life he never hesitated extending an open hand of support when acquaintances were in need. He did so always with a smile.
Elias was employed for many years at the Coleman Company, later joining Great Plains Industries until his retirement.
Elias’s greatest joy came from observing the youthful endeavors (athletic and artful) of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Additional interests included a lifelong attention to WSU athletics, whatever the sport or the athletic gender of participants. His roots in western Pennsylvania demanded that any professional team from that area deserved his focused attention and support.
Preceding him in eternal rest are his parents; two brothers, Kamel and George; son, Steven and a granddaughter, Casey. He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Ramsey); daughters, Cindy Cramer (Jeff), Tracey Carlile (John); sons, Michael Thomas (Yvonne), David Thomas (Jennie) and Tim Doerflinger (Jill). He experienced the pleasure of 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren to whom he is affectionately known as “Giddo”.
Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary in Wichita. The funeral service will be live streamed and available to view by clicking "Watch Event" below. Burial will follow at Old Mission Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial donations be directed to Kansas Humane Society.
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Uncle Sneek shared love, smiles and laughter with everyone. I’m going to miss his calls and hearing him say, “I love you more”- I would reply, “I love you the most- way beyond the moon!!!” Memories eternal 🙏🏼 With love, Becky, Mike and Zachary
Rest Elias, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army.
I will forever cherish the time I got to spend with Uncle Sneek and Giddo when he would visit us or we to him. When he would visit us the first thing the 3 of us would do is go mini golf at the pool. Then it was always up early to go to breakfast!! I will always hold those memories so close to my heart. I know Giddo and Uncle Sneek will share a laugh in their reunion. God bless and with love, Zach.
We loved having Elias, aka Tommy or ET as part of the GPI family for many years. He was a warm, funny man and a joy to work with. Susayn Peer Brandes
As a young man in 1973, my family moved to Wichita. We lived down the street from the Thomas family and we became friends with Mr. Thomas’ and his family. Mr. Thomas carried himself with both extreme warmth, friendliness, and dignity. The news of his passing genuinely saddens me. May God’s eternal light shine upon him.