Eli Dempsey Thomas III

January 13, 1916 - February 21, 2014
Funeral services will be held for Eli Dempsey Thomas III, 98, of Ville Platte, at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Ville Platte at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 25. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Mausoleum.
A loving father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all, Mr. Thomas died Friday, February 21, 2014, at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Ville Platte. He was born to Eli and Sue Wolf Thomas Jr. of Baton Rouge. He was a member of the Baton Rouge High School Class of 1936 and went on to earn a master’s degree from Louisiana State University. He served his country with great pride and honor during World War II as a member of United States Army Air Corps, during his time of service he fought valiantly during the Battle of Normady and the Battle of the Bulge. After returning home he began his career in education, He taught agriculture at Ville Platte High for 20 years and went on to serve as principal of Ville Platte Lower Elementary. He was not only an educator but was also a business owner. He also owned and managed The Best Flower Shop of Ville Platte. He served his beloved country and his community. Giving of himself was a true passion.
Survivors include his beloved children, Coach Allen K. Thomas of Bordelonville and Sarah Madalyn Foret of Luling. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and further blessed with 24 great-grandchildren. They were the absolute light of his life. He took every chance he was afforded to brag about them, and they were his greatest source of pride. His charming personality and gracious manner will be remembered by many for years to come.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his devoted wife, Sarah Joy Thompson Thomas; two sons, Eli D. Thomas IV and John B. Thomas; his parents, Eli and Sue Thomas Jr.; and three sisters, Beatrice Korte, Jenny Hoffman and Sue Cooper.
At the request of the Thomas family, visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte beginning at 4 p.m., Monday, February 24, and will continue until 9 p.m. and resume at 8 a.m., Tuesday morning, February 25, and continue until the time of the service. A Rosary will be recited in his name Monday evening at 7 p.m.
Father Brad Guillory will officiate.
Family and friends may view the online obituary and/or sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte will be in charge of arrangements.