Alan Neil Thomas "Pappy"

Alan is survived by his beloved life partner, Cindy Bartell; his daughter, Whitney Thomas; and his cherished grandson, Arley. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin Thomas, and sister, Lori Thomas along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will deeply miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Thomas and Georgia (Becker) Thomas; his brothers, Donald Thomas and David Thomas; and his sister, Cheryl Boone.

Alan held a special role as godfather to Rachel Thomas and Barrett Arndt.

Alan dedicated much of his life to education, public health, and service. He graduated from Oak Park High School in 1971 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Physical Education from the University of Missouri in 1979. He also earned an Associate of Arts degree as an Operating Room Technician from the Community College of the Air Force in 1972 and pursued graduate studies in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical School.

His professional career spanned several decades and reflected his commitment to community well-being. He served as an Environmental Health Specialist and Field Supervisor for the Johnson County, Kansas Environmental Department from 1993 to 2008. Prior to that, he worked as an Industrial Hygienist for Dynamac Corporation, a teacher and coach in the Park Hill Missouri School District, a Field Supervisor and Public Health Sanitarian for the Kansas City Missouri Department of Health, and as a Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator for the City of Gladstone Missouri.

Alan proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1975 during the Vietnam Era and was honorably discharged.

He held numerous professional certifications and was actively involved in many organizations, including the National Society of Public Health Sanitarians, the National Environmental Health Association, the National Education Association, the Missouri Teachers Association, the Missouri High School Coaches Association, and the American Red Cross Water Safety Committee. He was also a dedicated volunteer with Mennonite Disaster Service.

Alan will be remembered for his dedication to public service, his commitment to helping others, and the lasting impact he made on his community and those who knew him. Those who survive him may find comfort in the words of the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

A committal service for close friends and family will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 5001 NE Cookingham Dr, Kansas City, Missouri, on April 27, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Alan’s honor to The Nature Conservancy or Mennonite Disaster Service.