Ronald Lee Thomas

Ronald Lee Thomas, age 78, of Spokane passed away in his home Saturday, February 19, 2022.  He was born May 14, 1943 in Stella, Missouri, the son of Calvin Herman and Nella Faye (Utter) Thomas.  On July 2, 1966, he and Carol Annetta Sexson were united in marriage. 

Ronald served his country in the Air National Guard out of Owasso, Oklahoma. He served more than six years including Vietnam as navigator for a C130 Aircraft.  He served worldwide including 13 countries, such as Japan, South America, Pacific Islands, Asia, and western European countries.    

Ronald received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pittsburg Sate University in Kansas, and a master’s in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University.  Throughout his working career Ronald held many positions.  Living in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri he was an Accountant and Personnel Manager for several oil companies and a stainless steel distributor.  He was also a real estate broker, auctioneer and held a license in life, health, property, and casualty insurance.

He was baptized at the age of 13 into the Church of Christ.  He loved to sing and was a song leader for several of his churches.  Most recently his membership was with Union Hill Church of Christ in Nixa.  He was always a devout lifelong follower of God.  He studied the Bible and was an avid reader. 

Ronald was always there for his wife and children, loving them every day.  He tried to be there for his animals whether they were horses, cattle, dogs or cats.   

Survivors include:  His wife, Carol; five children, Craig Thomas and wife Keri, of Nixa, Craig’s son Weston, Thomas, and Keri’s daughters, Taylor Simmons and her children, Sophia, Savannah, Teagan, and Jasmine, Ally Grider, and Sidney Grider; Trina Thomas and Eric Holloway of Marshfield, and Trina’s children, Tim Allen, and Kristiana Allen; Gretchen Davis and husband Troy of Marshfield, and Gretchen’s children, Jasmine LeJeune and Lake LeJeune, and Troy’s children, Logan Davis and Braydon Davis; Dr. Rhonda Newman and Jeremie of Oceanside, California and their children Tristan Newman and Camden Newman; and Shane Thomas and wife Brandi of Marshfield, and daughter Brynn Thomas; a sister Betty Griffith of Kansas City; a brother Lowell Thomas and wife Linda of Nixa; a sister-in-law Barbara Parker, Waterbury Center, Vermont; nieces and nephews, Lance Thomas, Dr. Tyler Thomas, Barbara Seuferling, Brenda Schlenk, Andrea Hunton, and Karyn Parker.

Ronald’s parents preceded him in death as well as a brother-in-law, William Griffith.

Funeral services will be 12:00 noon Saturday, February 26, in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Lowell Thomas and Joe Bright officiating.  Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery, Rogersville.  Visitation will be from 11:00 AM Saturday, February 26 until service time at noon.