John W. Thomas

The Reverend Canon John Lynmar Wilson Thomas, Priest of the Episcopal Church for 60 years, and retired Canon at St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral in St. Petersburg, was born on September 4, 1918 and passed away peacefully in his sleep May 2, 2008. "Do not weep for me," John would say, "for now is a time of celebration. Those who have broken the bonds of earth join their heavenly family." Father Thomas was preceded in death by Grace, his wife and church companion for 58 years; his daughter, Nancy; and his sister, Mary Elizabeth. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Judith, of Charlotte, N.C.; his son Kevin of St. Petersburg; his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Holly, of Jacksonville, FL; and seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. John and Grace Thomas began their ministry as missionary Captains in the Episcopal Church Army in Scottsboro, AL, where for two years they lived in "two rooms and a path" with no electricity or running water. Following service in the United States Navy in WWII, John and Grace were assigned to Worthington, MN, as Church Army Missionaries, during which time he studied for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1949 and called to a small church in St. Paul, MN, in 1950. In 1953, he became Vicar at the Church of the Redeemer in Avon Park. In 1957, he was called as Rector to Holy Cross Church in Sanford, and in 1964 to work at the Episcopal Church Headquarters in New York City. When John and Grace returned to Florida in 1966, Father Thomas joined the Clergy staff at St. Peter's Cathedral in St. Petersburg and in 1970, became Rector at St. John's Episcopal Church, Elkhart, IN, where a dynamic ministry ensued. Upon their return from Elkhart, Father Thomas served as Rector at several Diocese of Southwest Florida Parishes including St. Vincent's in St. Petersburg and St. Christopher's in Tampa from which he retired in 1981. Once retired, Father Thomas spent the next eight years on the Cathedral staff as Interim Rector for numerous Parishes in the Diocese. Father Thomas who was promoted to Canon, and upon his retirement, became Diocesan Historian once remarked, "since Avon Park, I think I've air conditioned every Parish I've ever served." Those who knew him best knew he was a cool guy - pun intended. In 2002, when interviewed by the St. Petersburg Times for an Older Driver article, Father Thomas had been legally driving for 74 years, having learned to drive a Model T at age nine before Florida had a driver's law. He continued driving until age 86, and with 77 years behind the wheel was reputed to be the longest legal driver in Florida. Of his passing, John would have said, "The strife is o'er, the battle done. . . Alleluia!" May this faithful servant of God rest in peace. Funeral service for Father Thomas will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday May 24, 2008 at St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral located at 140 Fourth Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 with reception to follow. Telephone 727 822-4173. Arrangements are by Anderson McQueen Funeral Center 727 822-2059 located at 2201 Dr. ML King Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 with interment in the Memorial Garden of St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral.