Johnnie Andrew Thon

Johnnie Andrew Thon

Johnnie Andrew Thon, a longtime resident of the Lusk area, passed away Feb. 3, at Life Care Center of Casper.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. at Cicmanec-Pier Funeral Home in Lusk, with Pastor Tom Stock officiating. Interment will follow in the Lusk Cemetery. Johnnie was born on March 19, 1911, to Jalmer Thon and Anna May (Armstrong) Thon at their homestead 5 miles west of Lusk.

Reading and stamp collecting became his pastimes. As a teenager he played clarinet in the Lusk Municipal Band which at that time was a men's band. All of his schooling was in the Lusk schools, graduating from high school in 1930 with an honor scholarship from the University of Wyoming.

Johnnie was united in marriage to Margaret Jennie McCormick on Jan. 26, 1936, at the bride's home 5 miles north of Lusk. Baptist Pastor Perry Evans officiated in the presence of family and friends.

Mr. Thon began his career with the Lusk Post Office in 1934 and retired in 1970. He was on military leave five years and three months during WWII. He was acting postmaster for three years and assistant postmaster for 11 years of his 36-year career.

Johnnie was inducted into the federal service, active duty, in 1940 as captain. Captain Thon was promoted to major in 1944, returning to the United States in 1945 and reverting to inactive status that same year. Recommissioned Captain Thon reentered the Wyoming National Guard in 1946 and then transferred to the retired reserve in 1958, receiving full retirement as a major in 1971.

Johnnie began attending the First Baptist Church in the mid 1920's, being baptized and recognized as a member in 1934. He was an active and loyal member for 45 years.

He was a longtime member of the American Bible Society and Bible-a-Month Club, giving money to provide hundreds of Bibles to people throughout the world in a language each could understand. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a 41-year member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Margaret of Casper; a sister, Vesta Thomas, also of Casper; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

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