Dennis Ray Thomas

Dennis Ray Thomas, 61, Nevada, passed away suddenly Friday morning, July 20, 2012, near Greenfield, Mo. He was born Oct. 16, 1950, in Nevada, to Charles Oris Thomas and Mildred Maxine Spencer Thomas. He was married on June 15, 1969, in Walker, Mo., to Janie Friel and she survives of the home.

Dennis was born in Nevada and grew up in Walker, Mo. He graduated from Walker High School and attended Southwest Missouri State University. He enjoyed playing softball and was an avid quail hunter. He also enjoyed trout fishing. Dennis coached everything from T-ball to baseball as his children were being raised. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Nevada CCPA Choir. Dennis was a 4-H leader and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and show their animals.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Janie, include two sons, Chuck Thomas and his wife, Regina, Carthage, Mo., and Justin Thomas, Joplin, Mo.; one daughter, Jennifer Thomas, Nevada; two grandchildren, Jessica Marie Thomas, Carthage, Mo., and Dalton Ray Thomas, Nevada; one brother, Charles Thomas, Kansas City, Mo.; one sister, Connie Garren, Nevada; and his mother-in-law, Evelyn Friel, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marilyn Smith; and father-in-law, John Friel.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 24, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Nevada. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Nevada.

Friends may call now and until the hour of service and there will be a prayer service with visitation following at Ferry Funeral Home, from 7-8 p.m., Monday, July 23.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to Honey's Hope, 23595 S. 1525 Rd., Nevada, or in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

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