Visitation will be held on Sat., February 18, at 12pm with funeral services at 1pm, Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel, 509 S. Noland Rd., Independence, MO 64050 with burial to follow at Woodlwan Cemetery.
Tommy was born in Koshkonong, MO in May, 1927 to Albert and Rosa Thomas.
As a young boy he milked the cows until his hands ached in order to send money home.
As a teenager during the Depression, he hitchhiked the train that ran through Koshkonong to travel. He was drafted at the age of 18 into the US Army and served in Alaska during WWII. On R&R from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO he met Audra V Jones and the two married in 1947, after he sold his horse to buy her an engagement ring. Together they moved to Wichita where they both worked at Boeing and raised their son. He and Audra later moved to Independence, MO to be close to his son and his family.
His number 1 priorities were serving God and taking care of his grandchildren. His hobbies included restoring antique automobiles, repairing antique watches and clocks, and watching Westerns and MASH on TV. He loved the Lord, was an usher, Sunday School Teacher and a Children's Church worker, and volunteered in the prison ministry.
For a number of years he and his wife transported blood for the American Red Cross.
He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and wife, Audra.
Survivors include his son; Daryl Thomas (Becky), six grandchildren; Trey Schesser, Chris Schesser (Brittany), Alex Schesser, Darla Thomas (Jonah), Darcy Thomas, and Daryl Larissa Thomas and brother-in-law; Jimmy Jones (Shirley), many nieces and nephews. Condolences to the family may be sent to Noland Road Chapel at www.nolandroadchapel.com
