David J. Thomas

David J. Thomas, 83, of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away August 14, 2026 surrounded by the family who meant more to him than anything else in the world.

Born July 5, 1943, in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, David was the son of the late Gordon and Clarentha Thomas. He graduated from Slatington High School in 1961 and went on to build a long and distinguished career as a truck driver. During his years on the road, David drove more than one million miles without an accident, an accomplishment of which he was incredibly proud. He was also a proud member of the Teamsters Union throughout his career.

On May 23, 1964, David married Betty Furry, beginning a marriage that would span more than 62 years. Together they built a life centered around family, raising their children and later enjoying the generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that followed. Through all of life's seasons, Betty was by his side.

Long before trucking took him across countless miles of highway, David developed another lifelong passion: racing. His love for the sport began at age 19 at the Dorney Park racetrack and continued for more than 50 years. What started as a young man's love of racing eventually became a family affair, with David heading the pit crew for both of his sons, Davey and Fuzz. No racetrack was ever quite the same when the Thomas crew rolled in.

As much as David loved racing, his greatest source of pride was always his family.

He was a constant presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, supporting them through countless games, matches, competitions, milestones, and everyday moments. The Thomas name has produced more than its share of fierce athletes, and Pop Pop was always there to cheer them on, offer his thoughts, and make sure everyone knew exactly how he thought things should be done.

Family gatherings were where David was most at home. Whether it was a meal around the table, telling one of his many stories, offering a perfectly timed smart-aleck remark, or keeping a watchful eye on just how much electricity everyone was using during the holidays, Pop Pop was never far from the center of things. He was known for his quick wit, his stories, and his ability to always have something to say. Those small moments, the ones that made everyone smile and occasionally roll their eyes will be among the things his family misses most.

Survivors: David is survived by his loving wife, Betty J. Thomas; his children, Randy Thomas and his wife, Christine, and Lori Shupp and her husband, Chad; and his daughter-in-law, Armitta Thomas, wife of his late son, David Thomas II. He was the proud grandfather of Jarrod Shupp, Shawn Sterling, Cheyenne Gray, Cassidy Bradberry, Erika Thomas, Devin Thomas, Colton Thomas, Bryce Thomas, and Cara Thomas, and great-grandfather of Camryn, Carlee, and Kaysen. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Bodish. David was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Clarentha Thomas, and his son, David Thomas II.

More than the miles he drove, the races he helped win, or any accomplishment he collected along the way, David's legacy is the family he loved so deeply and the generations that follow him. His stories will continue to be told around the table, his quick remarks will be remembered, and every time the Thomas family gathers or someone leaves one too many lights on, there will be a little bit of Pop Pop there to bring a smile.

Services: Visitation, 7 PM - 9 PM Wednesday, August 19 at Campton Funeral Home, 525 Delaware Avenue Palmerton PA 18071. Funeral Service to follow next day Thursday, August 20 11 AM at St. John's Towamensing Lutheran Church, 2915 Fireline Rd, Palmerton, PA 18071. Interment,Towamensing Cemetery.

Contributions: Those wishing to honor David’s memory are welcome to send flowers or make a memorial contribution to St. John's Towamensing Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com