Obituary

Gig “Gary” Thomas, died on Wednesday, December 3rd at the age of 63. Determined to continue to create memories for his family, Gig faced his cancer diagnosis and treatment with the same quiet determination, strength, and even sense of humor as he lived his life. Gig did not lose a battle but rather redefined the war.

Gig graduated from Des Moines’ East High School in 1980. Following high school, Gig worked at the wholesale flooring distributor, Midwest-Timmermann Company. In 1988, Gig began what would be a 35+ year career at Pirelli Armstrong, which later became Titan Tire. He had many different roles and responsibilities over the years. He worked tirelessly, accepting long and varied shifts to support his family. Gig was a loyal union supporter and valued the brotherhood he felt with his fellow union members.

Gig was an avid gun collector, especially appreciating the history and mechanics of different brands and models and was always willing to share his knowledge with others. Beyond collecting, Gig most enjoyed the camaraderie he built by attending gun shows.

Gig fought the hardest to remain with his wife of 34 years, Stacie Thomas; his daughter Micah (Nick) Miller, grandchildren Magnolia and Rockwell Miller; and son Trevor Thomas.

Some of Gig’s best stories were of growing up with his brothers and sister who will miss their youngest brother deeply; Gig is survived by Cindy “Sid” Ballard, Dan Thomas, and Brian (Shelly) Thomas. Gig will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews. Gigs’ love for family extended to his parents, Darwin and Lois Thomas, through the end of their own cancer journeys.

When it came to friendship, for Gig there was no distinction between family and friends. Gig’s closest friendships spanned from his high school days, through raising children and into retirement; The memories created with Jim Pickering, Rick and DaLonna Housley, Marv and Rhonda Miller, Steve and Sarah Vandersluis, Dave and Shirley Smith, and Meric Shipman will be one of the most significant parts of Gig’s legacy. And Richard and Tina - know you were, and continue to be, the best neighbors anyone could ever hope to also call friends.

Gig’s family is especially grateful for all of the cancer care teams at Mission Cancer and Blood, Dr. Freeman, Carissa, Angie, Michelle and all of the angels, dressed in nurses’ clothing, at the chemo suite, who never failed to share a laugh and always had a warm blanket or a hug at the ready. And most recently, Mandi, at the infusion center in Newton, who, over the Thanksgiving holiday, instinctively knew how to care for Gig’s spirit as much as his body, giving him reason to say, “that is the most fun I’ve ever had at a hospital.”

While all of these individuals dedicated themselves to giving 100% to Gig's care, they also tended to Stacie’s well-being with the same devotion and tireless effort that they gave to Gig. They will forever have her gratitude.

A Celebration of Gig’s life will be scheduled after the New Year. Prior to the celebration, a link will also be shared to upload photos. Captured memories of Gig’s life will ultimately bring comfort and keep cherished memories alive in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. In the interim, in lieu of flowers, we welcome those wishing to show support to simply share kind words online through Iles Funeral Home.

Online condolences are welcome at www.ilescares.com

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel

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