Charles Wayne Thomas

Charles Wayne Thomas, 66, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, at Kansas City Hospice House, following a brief hospitalization as a result of a major stroke. He was born Dec. 7, 1945, at home in Jerico Springs, Mo., to James Hubert Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Malcom Thomas. He married Donna Johns in 1964 and she survives of the home.

Charles graduated from Sheldon High School in 1964 after growing up between Jerico Springs and Sheldon, Mo. While at Sheldon High School, he was active in sports including baseball, basketball, and track. Charles' work ethic began early when he delivered newspapers, mowed lawns, hauled hay, and worked in his dad's service station. As an adult, he continued to work in his family's service station until he and his wife began working with the Thomas family businesses including a grocery store and a farm supply store. After the family moved to Carthage, he began working for Holsum Bread Company. Shortly after its opening, Charles began his 30 year employment at the Nevada 3M Company from which he enjoyed 29 years of perfect attendance. He realized his retirement from 3M on March 6, 2002.

Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed fishing, farming, golfing, woodworking, traveling and spending time with his family. He was well-known for lending a hand to various friends and neighbors. Charles was a devoted fan of his children's and grandchildren's sports and activities including those of the Nevada Tigers, Missouri Southern Lions, and Baylor Bears. Charles will be remembered as a devoted friend, father, grandfather, uncle and brother. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Donna, of 47 years, include three children, Troy Thomas and his wife, Gale, Milo, Mo., Kimberly Severance, Brattleboro, Vt., and Kristin Thomas, Pittsburg, Kan.; six grandchildren, James, Tristie, Kyla and Charles Thomas, Taylor and Riley Severance; one stepgrandson, Curtis Jamison; and one great-grandson, Jax Cecil Clayton. He was one of eight children and is survived by his siblings, Louise Olgren, Freda Eliason, Irene Barnhart, Betty Stoner, Jim Thomas, June Dobbins and Peggy Houdeshell; 29 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 9, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Dr. William Cox officiating. Interment will follow in Dunnegan Grove Cemetery, Bellamy, Mo. Friends may call now and until the hour of service and the family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 8, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Dunnegan Grove Cemetery or Kansas City Hospice House in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 W. Washington, Nevada.

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