Darwin LeWayne Thomas, 58, of Hutchinson, passed away July 8, 2016, after many long years of battling Parkinson's disease. He was born Nov. 18, 1957, in Hutchinson, to Chrisley "Johnny" and Laura "Maye" (White) Thomas.

He attended Buhler schools and graduated with the Class of 1975. Darwin was an MP in the Army. He started work at Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, later changed to Hutchinson Correctional Facility in 1979, until he was forced to take disability retirement in December 2003. Darwin officially retired Dec. 1, 2009, with 30 years of service.

On July 4, 1991, he married Nancy Ann (Lanning) Sullivant. They shared 25 years of marriage. Darwin is survived by: wife, Nancy of the home; stepchildren, Rod Sullivant and wife Tiffany of Colby, Jennifer Dill and husband Rob of Overland Park, Todd Sullivant and wife Jennifer of Hutchinson; eight grandchildren, Savanna and Shawn Sullivant, Graham, Harrison and Lindsay Dill, Talon, Cohen and Nataliegh Sullivant. These eight grandchildren were an enormous joy to his life and he loved them with all of his heart. Darwin is also survived by: his two sisters, Diana Schmidt of Booneville, Ark. and Debby Thomas of Charleston, Ark.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Georgia "Jo" Jean Burt; and brother, Johnny Leroy Thomas.

Darwin's wishes were to bequeath his body to Kansas University Medical Center. Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2016, at Medora Community Bible Church, 8311 N. Medora Road, with Pastor Ron Mandeville officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Thursday at the mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Medora Community Bible Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.