Richard L Thomas

Richard L. Thomas, 60, of Eldon, Mo., passed away Sunday, June 2, 2013, at his residence in Eldon, Mo. On July 19, 1952, he was born in Fulton, Mo., the son of the late William L. and Betty R. (Edson) Thomas. On March 2, 1984 in Kauai, Hawaii he was united in marriage to Linda Simmons-Thomas who survives of the home. Richard was a member of the Eldon and Bear Creek Golf Clubs. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Eldon, Mo. Richard graduated from the Eldon High School and the Tri-County Tech School in 1970 and then graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., in 1975 with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Education. He was employed with AT&T for 34 years before his retirement as an engineer. Other survivors include daughters, A. Whitney Thomas, Pharm.D, of Eldon, Mo., and Abbey Jo Thomas of Eldon, Mo.; brother and sister-in-law, Roger W. and Pat Thomas of Naples, Fla.; nieces and nephew, Nick Thomas and wife Erica of Dallas, Texas, and family, and Amy Thomas of Columbia, Mo.; honorary brother, Rob Frazee; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bud Simmons, Barbara and John Hammonds, Ed and Rhonda Simmons, Debbie Leonard and their families; several aunts and uncles. His in-laws, Margaret and Clifford Simmons preceded him in death. Visitation will be on Saturday, June 8, 2013, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Eldon Church of The Nazarene with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jerry W. Frye and Pastor Tim Drake officiating. His body has been cremated and private family Interment will be held at a later date at the Eldon City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army; the Ronald McDonald House or to CaringBridge.org Arrangements are under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, Mo.