Thomas Rivera

Thomas Rivera, 81, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2006. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, July 6, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, 907 Cesar Chavez, Kansas City, Missouri. Burial at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. Friends may call on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at the church from 6-8 p.m. Family suggests contributions to be made to Senior Estates, 2323 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64130 or KC Hospice, 1625 W. 92nd Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64114.

Thomas was born on August 6, 1924 in Kansas City, Missouri to Santos and Vicenta Rivera. He entered the U.S. Army on February 2, 1944. In Germany, Thomas and his platoon leader were pinned down in a foxhole and after two hours were captured on February 2, 1945. He was freed on the last day of May in 1945. Discharged as a corporal, he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and 10 other medals.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Jesus, Frankie, and Fernando Rivera. Survivors include a son, Nicholas Garcia of Kansas City, Missouri; brother, Tony Rivera of Kansas City, Missouri; sister, Avangelina Estrada of Modesto, California and four grandchildren.