Paul Laurence Thomas

Paul Laurence Thomas passed away unexpectedly in his Estes Park, Colorado home on July 23, 2025, at the age of 57. Born on October 8, 1967, Paul grew up in Kearney, MO. Paul returned to Kansas City to begin his professional career at NASB, after completing graduate school at University of Missouri in Columbia, MO.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Mandy, and his sons, Noah (18) and Elliot (16). He is also survived by his parents, Larry and Joann Thomas; his siblings: Laurie Stuckey, Lisa Johnson (Steve), and Todd Thomas (Tammi); his sisters-in-law: Sarah Malcom (Jason) and Samantha Miller (Logan); his brother-in-law, Greg Wood; his parents-in-law, Rick and Anita Sikes; and his grandmother-in-law, Lois Williams. He is also survived by his 21 beloved nieces and nephews: Zekiel, Katharina, Elias (Catherine), Braden, Asa, Izabella, Vianne, Greta, Lucianna, Finnian, Dylan, Amelia, Olivia, Charlie, Cole, Luke, Elijah, Jude, Hallie, Benji, and Skye.

Paul spent nearly 30 years in dedicated service at NASB before retiring as CEO in 2022. He was not only a leader but also a friend and mentor. He led with compassion and humility. Paul’s favorite part of his job was making a difference in the community through NASB’s philanthropic endeavors. This passion extended into his personal life as well.

Paul was involved in numerous community programs throughout the city—so many, in fact, that we won’t attempt to list them all for fear of leaving some out. He let his passions guide his service, which ranged widely and included helping homeless veterans secure housing, repairing and supporting access to bicycles for Kansas Citians, providing support to the recovery community, and championing programs that offer safety and mentorship to children in our community. Even after retirement, he continued to serve—right up to his last day—as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Kansas City.

While Paul was proud of his work at NASB and in the community, his greatest source of fulfillment was spending time with his wife and children, often embarking on epic adventures. With careful planning, purpose, and intention, Paul retired in 2022 to spend more quality time traveling with his family while his children were still at home. He kicked off retirement with a two-week family road trip to Canada. He was especially proud to lead Noah on his first summit of Longs Peak—the tallest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park, a place deeply special to the Thomas family. Just this past summer, he and Elliot took a spontaneous three-week road trip to Alaska. There were many other adventures over the years. Paul was thriving and in the prime of his life—physically fit and active.

His final day was spent hiking to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park with Elliot, near the spot where he and Mandy were married nearly 21 years ago. We find comfort in knowing that his last day was nearly perfect. The only thing he would have changed was having Mandy and Noah there with them as well.

If you wish to share a memory of Paul for his wife and children to read in the future—whether a story, a photo, or a simple note—please send it to [email protected]. Your stories will help ensure that Paul’s remarkable spirit continues to inspire those he loved most for generations to come and bring comfort to his devoted wife and children.

Paul impacted countless lives and was a cherished friend and mentor to many. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 12, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. A reception will immediately follow the service from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Kansas City or loveenough4u.org, which provides scholarships to teens and young adults who need drug and alcohol treatment but cannot afford it.