John “Buddy” Thomas, 55 of Kountze died Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth in Beaumont after a sudden illness. Johnny was born in Lake Village, Arkansas on July 27, 1954 to Claude E. and Lena M. (Steverson) Thomas. Johnny was a self-employed painter and he had proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Thomas of Kountze; his mother, Lena Thomas of Kountze; his sisters, Sharon Sirmons of Silsbee and Retha Smith of Village Mills; five grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at Broussard’s in Kountze with Reverend Danny Coots officiating. Burial will follow in Old Hardin Cemetery in Kountze. A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday, November 2, 2009 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Broussard’s.

John’s family has requested that memorial contributions be made in his name to Disabled American Veterans P. O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.