04/19/2016
Richard Charles Thomas, Sr. passed away Tuesday morning, April 19, 2016 at his home in rural Tracey, at the age of 80 years, 11 months and 31 days.
A memorial service for Richard will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Harvey Assembly of God Church of Harvey. Pastor Mike Miller officiating.
Richard was born on April 20, 1935, at his grandparents’ home in Knoxville. He is the son of John Leroy “Jack” and Lena (Des Planques) Thomas.
Richard was raised in Flagler and also Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School, Class of 1953. After high school Richard served in the Iowa National Guard and was a dragline mechanic for Beard Coal Company.
On May 11, 1958 at the Nazarene Church in Knoxville Richard and Doris Evelyn Richardson were united in marriage. Richard and Doris shared over 57 years together and blessed with three children; Rick, Sue, and Chad.
In 1966 Richard began working for Rolscreen in Pella. He worked many jobs with Rolscreen and Pella Corp, retiring as a rip line operator on a computerized multi rip saw. Richard retired in 2000 after 34 years with Pella Corp.
Richard was a devoted Christian who attended the Harvey Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed woodworking and was proud of his loving family.
Richard is survived by his wife Doris of rural Tracey; his three children, Rick Thomas and Michelle Hart of West Des Moines, Sue Thomas and Chris Houser of rural Bussey, and Chad (Stacy) Thomas of Oskaloosa; seven grandchildren, Chris Gist, Curt (Mel) Gist, Trent Thomas, Tia Thomas, Nick Thomas, Zakk Thomas, and Liam Thomas; and six great-grandchildren, Hunter, Jayden, Landon, Adrian, Aryana, and Freddie.
Richard is also survived by two sister-in-love Ruth Pope and Linda Ver Woert both of Des Moines; and his brother John Thomas of Bussey.
He was preceded in death by his parents “Jack” and Lena Thomas; and three brothers, Donald, Robert, and Florent Thomas.
A memorial in Richard’s name has been established to his family or to HCI Hospice of Central Iowa. Condolences can be sent to www.winfieldfh.com. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting Richard’s family.