Joel D. Thomas

Joel D. Thomas, 80 of El Dorado passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark. Mr. Thomas was born January 16, 1936 in Union Parish, La. to the union of John D. Thomas and Narvie Taylor Thomas. Mr. Thomas attended Louisiana Tech and was a retired truck driver having achieved one million accident free miles. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and loved hiking, canoeing, fishing and camping and in his later years he spent his time traveling and enjoying the Ozarks. He loved spending time at his cabin with family and friends and adored his granddaughter Hadley who lured him to North West Arkansas frequently. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Kathryn Risinger Thomas. Survivors include his son; Dr. Gary Thomas and wife JaLynn, a brother; Jerry Wayne Thomas, one granddaughter; Hadley Thomas and his best friend Barbara Elliott. Visitation will be held 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Bailey Funeral Home, Junction City. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Beech Grove United Methodist Church, Spearsville, La. with Rev. Johnny Atkins officiating. Interment will be in the Beech Grove Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Junction City, Ark. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the Buffalo River Foundation, Post Office Box 55, Ponca, Ark. 72670. Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.