[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16450]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JOHN MILTON THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LUKE MESSER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2015

  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
accomplishments of John Milton Thomas of Shelbyville, Indiana.
  Born in Fairland on Oct. 1, 1926 to Milton and Carris Thomas, John 
lived a long and full life. Last month, at the age of 88, he passed 
away surrounded by his loved ones. John is survived by his loving wife 
of 68 years Mary ``Jean'' Kerr, his children, grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. I had the pleasure of 
knowing John through both his work with my wife for the town of 
Morristown, Indiana, and my friendship with his son J. Mark Thomas. I 
am honored to speak of his accomplishments today.
  Mr. Thomas was a member of the greatest generation. He was a U.S. 
Army veteran and served as a first sergeant during World War II. Just 
last month, John came here to Washington, D.C. on an honor flight to 
see the World War II Memorial and pay tribute to those he fought 
alongside, who didn't make it home.
  John loved to serve his community. He was a former member of the 
Shelby County Council and at one time was the Shelby County Clerk. His 
other memberships included the Indiana National Guard and Sugar Creek 
Masonic Lodge No. 279 F & AM. John attended First United Methodist 
Church, where he also volunteered and held many leadership positions.
  John was also a referee for both high school and college basketball, 
and he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame for 
officiating a ballgame with a record-setting nine overtimes, a record 
which he still holds.
  John was a true friend and a great man with a big heart. My thoughts 
and prayers go out to the Thomas family during this difficult time. It 
is my hope that their fond memories of John will comfort them during 
this difficult time.

                          ____________________