Toy Whetsul Thomas, 69, of Holmes Mill, departed this life on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Greg and Noreen Wells Hospice Center in Hazard.  Born December 19, 1956 in Harlan County, he had lived here all of his life.  Toy was a retired coal miner from U.S. Steel and Arch Mineral and was a member of the UMWA.  He enjoyed fishing, riding four-wheelers, spending time in nature, and was an avid UK Wildcat fan.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Edith Diane Thomas; his father, Whetsul Lewis Thomas; and a brother, Marty Thomas.

Survivors include his mother, Ruth Helen Witt Thomas, Holmes Mill; three sons, Adam Thomas and wife, Vanessa, Closplint; Amos Thomas of Holmes Mill; and Aaron Thomas and wife, Ola, Corbin; and three grandchildren, Isabella, Jaida and Amazing Grace Thomas. Also surviving are three sisters, Delliah Hughes, Highsplint; Marsha Creech, Holmes Mill; Beatrice Eldridge and husband, David, Holmes Mill; a brother, Murl Thomas and wife, Drena, Cumberland; and a host of other family and friends.

His visitation will be held Saturday from 5 until 8 pm at the Evarts Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 2 pm in the Chapel of the Evarts Funeral Home with the Reverend Chris Peace officiating.

Burial will follow at the Francis Heirs Cemetery at Holmes Mill with his family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Toy W. Thomas.