Kelce Thomas

Kelce Thomas, 65, of Dennison, passed away at his home while surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, after battling metastatic colon cancer for 3 ½ years. Born January 24, 1955 near Dennison, he was a son of the late Dewey Thomas, Sr. and Lorene E. (Salyers) Helfer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather who reared him, John Helfer; son, Larry Wires; sister, Joan Nelson; special nephews, King Kleski, Phillip Cummings, and Andrew Brown; father-in-law, Charles “Bud” Bridgeman, Jr.; uncle and namesake, Buster Salyers; and dear cousins, Ted and Kelcy Roach.

Kelce was a lifelong area resident and a member of Claymont High School’s Class of 1973. He was employed by BarMet Industries from 1971 until its closing in 1992, after that he was the maintenance superintendent at Slats and Nails Pallett until his retirement in 2015. Kelce was an avid NASCAR fan who attended many races with his wife and family. He always had a hand in racing, beginning as a driver in the early 80s, continuing as a co-owner in a race car, working as a Tech at Midvale Speedway, and finally helping his sons with their own race cars.

On June 5, 1987, Kelce married the former Terri Jo Bridgeman after being together since 1983. Terri survives him along with his children, Brandon (Tara) Thomas, Keith (Summer) Thomas, Michelle (Mike) Paisley, and Shannon (Kelli) Thomas; grandchildren, Bristol and Parker Thomas, Kolton and Konnor Thomas, Clayton and Cory Paisley, Sydney, Ashton, and Nora Thomas, Emily Wires, and Johnathon Wires; great-grandchildren, Reaghan and Dallas Paisley; brother, Dewey (Rose) Thomas, Jr.; sister, Winnie Barlock; mother-in-law, Wilma Bridgeman; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Deb and Dude Lukens and Chuck and Kim Bridgeman; Johnathon (Alexis) Salyers who was like a son to him; and many nieces and nephews.

According to Kelce’s wishes, cremation is planned without a public visitation or service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.