Joe Ivan Thomas, 75, of Duncan, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at home. Joe was born on November 22, 1950 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Jess and Dorothy Thomas. He graduated from Velma-Alma High School in 1969 and attended the University of Texas. Joe was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1971 and served in the Vietnam War until he was honorably discharged as an SP4 in 1973.

Joe built a career with Getty/Texaco where he worked for a number of years. Following his oilfield career, he became a butcher and worked at Burton's Meat Market in Duncan, Oklahoma and following a move, worked at Wheeler's Meat Market in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Outside of his professional life, Joe was passionate about fishing and sharing his love of sports with those around him. He will be remembered for his love of the OU Sooners, OKC Thunder, and Dallas Cowboys, as well as his stories (which we have all heard one too many times).

Joe is survived by three children: Bryan Christian and Tina Gordon of Yukon, OK, Jo Ann Kelley and Terry Wyatt of Moore, OK, and Gene Thomas of Duncan, OK. In addition, eight grandchildren and one great-grandson: Destinee Bolton and husband Jonathan of Chickasha, OK, Andrew Christian of Comanche, OK, Colton Christian of Yukon, OK, Dillon Kelley and wife Kayla of Moore, OK, Cpl. Ryan Kelley and son, Aries Kelley of Oceanside, CA, Damien Thomas and wife Kimmi of Washington State, Angel Fox of Moore, OK, and Preston Ennis of Duncan, OK.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents: Jess Willard Thomas and Dorothy Ann Thomas (Gibbs) as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5:00 P.M., Saturday, June 6, at Lake Humphreys: Area D, at the point of N. Bass Drive and Whitetail Drive.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Whitt Funeral Home c/o Joe Thomas to help offset memorial costs.