Rickey Thomas

Rickey Dale Thomas, age 60 passed away on January 19th 2012 at St. John’s hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was born on May 14th 1951 in Salem, Oregon. The son of George Ralph Thomas and Eunice Irene Martin Thomas. He grew up in Fort Scott, Kansas and attended Fort Scott Schools.

As a young man He worked at Bruce Marble & Granite and Key Overall Factory. In 1973 he began working for Mid-Continental Restoration where he worked for over 15 years. He also worked at Midwestern Distribution and the Farm Company that was located at Fulton Kansas.

He married Glena Joy Lattimer on Dec.21st 1974. Together they had three daughters Amber, Reva and Bethany. In 1992 Rick and Glena moved their family to Springfield Missouri. Rick worked several temporary jobs before being hired by General Electric where he worked until his retirement.

Rick met Steve Young who was also an only child when he was five and they became life-long friends. They were almost as close as brothers, riding bicycles together as kids, then processing to motorcycles. They spent hours at a time talking about everything, especially cars and music. They played card games and board games, Clue being their favorite. Steve’s wife, Billie, says when she dated and married Steve in 1972 she felt like she dated Rick also, because he was around so much.

Proceeding him death are his parents, George in 1961, Eunice in 1983, his father-in-law Al Lattimer 1993, his sister-in-law Monica Lattimer 2009 and an infant grand-daughter Amya Grace in 2008.

Rick was a devoted family man, he would do anything to make his wife happy, even if he didn’t want to. He doted on his girls and helped raise his grandchildren. He loved to sit and rock babies while he watched T.V.

He cared deeply for his grandchildren that called him “Poppy“, but as his health became worse driving kids to school and running after toddlers became more difficult. He would growl and grumble then retreat to his room, to take a nap or watch T.V. with his dog right behind him. He loved his black Lab Bobo, and one of his favorite activities was to sit on the deck and throw balls into the pool for Bo to retrieve.

Rick is survived by his wife, Glena, their oldest daughter, Amber Klinglesmith, her children Samuel Thomas 8, Levi Joseph 5, and Skylar Joy 9 months. Their middle daughter Reva Thomas, her children Anthony Cordale 9, Lilyana Jayne And Brayden Wayne both 2, and their youngest daughter Bethany Thomas, and her daughter Keana Rose 7. All of Springfield, MO.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. January 23, 2012 at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home 500 E. Walnut Street. His brother-in-law John Lattimer will be reading his eulogy and lead the family in prayer.

Rick’s body has been cremated. His ashes are divided into 4 candle holder urns, one each going to his wife and three daughters. The flower arrangement of roses represents his family.

There will be a showing of pictures taken throughout Rick’s life, and a time for sharing memories by family and friends.

After the service please join us at “Poppy’s” favorite restaurant Cedar’s South at 3322 S. Campbell, Springfield, MO 65807 for a meal.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family request contributions be given to the no kill shelter C.A.R.E. located at 1328 A. W Sunshine Springfield, MO 65807 or online at