Don Thomas
Age - 78
July 24, 2023
Don Richard Thomas was born in Lewistown, Missouri on the 3rd of April in 1945, to Ernest Harold (EH) Thomas and Willa Brenner Thomas. Their house shared a back fence with "The Pitzer Girls. " Both families then moved to various farms, but Don's childhood was spent tinkering with the retired row of farm equipment belonging to his Grandpa Amos. With the work horse, Dan, Don freed up equipment that he repaired and fashioned into his toys. In high school, Don worked in Junior McKenzie's auto repair shop, which guided Don's destiny in mechanical trades. In his sophomore year, Don agreed to a roller-skating date with Judy Pitzer, who was two years his younger, on the condition that his friend also went along. Finding Judy to be the love of his life, but too young to marry; Don joined the Army National Guard after high school, acquiring diesel mechanical skills. Returning home, Don then worked at Gardner-Denver in Quincy, but a week after Judy turned 18, they married and moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where Don worked for a propane company. Then in Kansas City, Don attended barber school, but found it difficult to stand and talk about sports all day, so he moved on to A/C repair and installation. Expecting twins, Don then went to work at the Ford Claycomo plant, seeking better wages and health insurance. For Don, the work was boring, but Judy encouraged him to dream and plan his projects while on the line. On September 5, 1971, Danille and Camille were born, followed by their son, David on April 24, 1974. Driving by Mr. Brown's 10 acre farm for years, Don made an offer when the For Sale sign went up. Acquiring the property, Don and Judy created their own slice of Heaven where their children learned responsibility and reward, while also exploring the trails, trees and creek and raising a garden and farm animals. From his shops, Don adapted many pieces of equipment so each child could enjoy the farm without limitations. Don and his girls also restored a VW Beetle convertible for their 16th birthday. A regular at sales, auctions and swap meets, Don acquired a unique yard-art collection. The Thomas's also hosted an October Fall Festival for their Barry Christian Church friends, where everyone enjoyed the hayride, hot dog roast around the fire, pot-luck and fellowship. Don was best friend and grandpa to Billie and Amber; enjoying their company before and after school, and always present at various performances and ballgames. Daytimes were spent with his brother, Gale, in the shop, until it was time to stop for an afternoon Frosty. Surrounded by his loving family, it was on the 6th of July in 2023 that Don passed into the Lord's presence with Judy holding his hand. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Harold (EH) Thomas and Willa Brenner Thomas of Lewistown, Missouri; and his son in law, Jeff Pukay. Don is survived by his wife, Judy Ann Pitzer Thomas and his brother, Gale (Elaine) Thomas. Don is also survived by his daughters, Danille Gayle Thomas (Rob) Collins and Camille Dawn Thomas Pukay; and his son, David Aaron Thomas; and his granddaughters, Billie Anne Collins and Amber Lily Pukay. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Lewistown Cemetery in Lewistown, Missouri. Memorials may be made to the Barry Christian Church Property Committee, 1500 NW Barry Rd. , Kansas City, MO 64155.Show more
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