Jerry "The Turtle Hunter" Thomas

Jerry J. Thomas, 71, of Terre Haute, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at his home. He was born on July 28, 1953, in Terre Haute, to Jack and Betty (Baugh) Thomas.

Jerry is survived by his son, Bruce Thomas (Tiffany Ball) of Terre Haute; grandchildren: Weslie Caton (Jordan) of Farmersburg, Taylor Thomas (Scott McAlister) of Anderson, and Brandon Thomas (Adessa Matteucci) of Anderson; great grandchildren: Makenna, Cassius, Orion, Luna, Amelia, Klover, Nova, Skylynn, and Vonni; and a brother, David Thomas (Charlotte) of Terre Haute.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patty Thomas; brothers, Bruce Thomas and John Thomas; and sisters, Rebecca Cotton and Janice Aztor.

Jerry was the kind of person who found joy in the everyday. He worked hard, as a handyman and a groundskeeper at a local storage unit facility — not for recognition but because that’s just who he was. He was passionate about raising and training hawks and falcons as a member of the North American Falcon Association. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt, fish, turtle hunt, and find arrowheads. He was a collector of many things; he always found a place or a reason for everything. Jerry liked to draw and create many wonderful things, hatchets, staffs, knives, jewelry. He was a simple man, he didn’t ask for much, and he didn’t need much. He liked things a certain way — his way— and if you knew him well you knew not to argue. He was a man of many words, and when he spoke — especially when he cracked a joke— it mattered. He had a good sense of humor; he could make you laugh when you least expected it. Jerry was a wonderful grandfather and great grandfather. He was well loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Jerry “The Turtle Hunter” Thomas

Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held.