Joseph Lawrence Thomas

JOSEPH "JOE" LAWRENCE THOMAS, age 82 of Louisville, Kentucky passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 with family by his side, following a gallant battle for survival after being hit head-on by a drunk driver November 24th. Joe was born August 6, 1939 in Paducah, KY to the late Joseph and Irene Thomas. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Margaret Ann "Marge" (Wooten) Thomas.
Growing up in Paducah, Joe was an avid hunter on the family tobacco farm. Following high school, Joe moved to St Louis working for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft. Thereafter, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington, DC where his beloved Marge also worked. After receiving several commendations from FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover, Joe joined the United States Army and served as a Codebreaker in their Security Agency during the Cold War and early years of Vietnam. Following his discharge, Joe and Marge settled in Louisville, KY and Joe became a Court Reporter and subsequently formed his own business, Associated Reporters which he remained until his retirement in 2005.

Joe loved his family, his dog Max, everything UK and enjoyed traveling, history and was writing a novel. In the early 1980's, Joe dabbled in inventing and created medical devices that were used by local orthopedic doctors in their clinic. Christmastime at the Thomas' was a special time with family and he was so proud when he acquired his "Major Award" leg lamp that is displayed in his front window during the holidays. Fun loving, genuine and honest as the day is long. Joe will be sadly missed by all.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Pamela Campbell (Jon); son, Joseph Thomas (Michelle);, grandsons, Ian Campbell and Adam Thomas; granddaughters, Samantha Thomas, Shelby Campbell; great-grandson, LeGend Garden; step-grandchildren, Victoria Bishop, Camille Standridge, Jackson Standridge; and step-great-grandchildren Carter Cook and Oliver Bishop; and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 10 am to 12 pm on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY, 40243, followed by a celebration of Joe's life at noon there. Burial to follow at Middletown Cemetery.

Memorials may be made as contributions to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (M.A.D.D.).

The family would like to extend its most heartfelt thanks and admiration to the 1st responders: Middletown Fire Department, Middletown Police Department, Louisville Metro Police Department, EMS and the heroes at the University of Louisville ER and 5 Core and 9 West ICU's. You are Angels Among Us.

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