John Oliver "J.O." Thomas, 71 of Keokuk, IA died Monday, June 27, 2011 at his home with his family at his side. He was born on August 18, 1939 in Ft. Madison, IA the son of Hollis O. and Frances L. Rooney Thomas. On May 9, 1966 John was united in marriage to Sharon Pence in Carthage, IL. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Shelly MacDonald and her husband Victor of Sarasota, FL and Shawn Nelligan and her husband Charles of Montrose, IA, two grandchildren, Derek and Deven Nelligan of Montrose, IA, his mother, Frances Hermes of Kahoka, MO and two brothers, Walt Hermes of Arizona and Frank Hermes and his wife Sharon of Revere, MO. He was preceded in death by his father. John was a veteran of the United States Navy and proudly served his country from 1960-1964. He worked in maintenance at Midwest Carbide in Keokuk until his retirement in 2000. John was a member of the Eagles Club, American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed reading, watching Nascar races, and traveling to Florida over Christmas vacations. This past year he and Sharon enjoyed spending the winter months in Sarasota. There will be no services at this time. Burial will be at a later date in the Keokuk National Cemetery.