William Richard "Dick" Thomas

William Richard (Dick) Thomas, 83, succumbed to cancer on December 19th at home surrounded by his family. Dick was born in Ennis, Texas on October 29, 1931 to Nellie Elizabeth and George Robert Thomas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Lynn; son Jeff and his wife Julie and their children, Lindsey, Shelby and Blake; son Brad and his wife Danny, and children Austin and Olivia; and daughter Julie Burke and her daughter Allison Burke. He is also survived by his sister Brett Averitt and her husband Bob and their children Angela and Mark. Dick touched many lives during his long and accomplished life and will be missed by many, many friends.

Dick’s love of music began early in his life- he formed his first band, Dick Thomas and the Dreamtones, in 1948 before he graduated from Ennis High School in 1949. Dick graduated from Southwestern University in 1953 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Following graduation, he joined the Army and was a member of the 62nd Army Band in Fort Bliss from 1953-1955. He received a graduate degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago following his discharge from the Army. During his lifetime, he managed and was a member of many bands : Gilbert Kautz and Van Kirkpatrick Orchestra, Durwood Cline Orchestra (Dallas), Ted Weems Orchestra, Dal Farris Quartet, Phil Manning Combo, Jimmy Grove Orchestra , Teddy Wilson Trio, Stars of Swing (Austin), Corky Robinson and the Keynoters (Austin). In 1981 Dick organized the KISD Jazz Co-op, a big band composed of local band members and area musicians to promote the sounds of the Big Band era. In 1992, he formed the Dick Thomas Orchestra and played at area receptions, dance clubs and events. Dick influenced many young and aspiring musicians through his performances, guidance and music education. Music was a passion he enjoyed his entire life.

Dick was a professional educator beginning with his first job as the band director at Texarkana High School. He was also the band director for one year at Kaufman High School, before moving to Killeen to take over as band director at Killeen High School. While serving as the Band Director at Killeen High School, Dick created the Killeen Kangarettes, and led the band to numerous awards. In 1963, the Killeen High School jazz band won the prestigious Brownwood Jazz Contest. Receiving the award from Stan Kenton was one of his most treasured memories. In 1970, Dick left his position as director to move to school administration. He became the assistant principal and later principal at Rancier Jr. High School. In 1976, the family moved to Austin where he served Governor Dolph Briscoe’s Administration as the Deputy Director on the Governor’s Committee on Aging. After Briscoe left office, Dick returned to Killeen to become the Director of Community Education for KISD. Dick’s final job at KISD, was one of his favorite…elementary principal at Fowler Elementary. He felt like this position was the perfect place for him to end his career.

Dick was an active member of all communities where he resided, participating in and directing community activities. His deep faith manifested with his active involvement in the Methodist Church in all the cities where he lived. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Killeen for over 50 years and served the church as choir director and later as a member of the choir. The church choir visited Dick at his home in the last week of his life so that he could hear their Christmas concert. Music has never sounded quite so special.

Dick’s life was filled with a love of people, laughter and music, but Dick’s greatest love was his family. He showed his love for his children, and ultimately grandchildren, by actively supporting and participating in their many activities. He attended many school music performances, chaperoned many school trips and attended many athletic events. Additionally, in retirement Dick and Lynn travelled to Europe, Alaska, music cruises and throughout the US.

We will miss his wonderful belly laugh, the twinkle in his eye and his amazing wit and humor. But most of all, we will miss the joy he brought to us all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation to the organ fund at the First United Methodist Church of Killeen or a donation to your favorite charity.

A Celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Monday December 29th at the First United Methodist Church located at 3501 Elms Road in Killeen, Tx. The service will begin at 2:00 pm.

Please share memories with the Thomas family by visiting www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com