Obituary for Col. Richard James Thomas
Colonel Richard J. Thomas, 89, of Roanoke, Va. and formerly of Pinehurst, N.C., passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020.
He was born on Saturday, December 6, 1930, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, son of the late Fred M. and Grace Kull Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Janice L. Thomas; twin brother, Rodger Thomas; sister, Sue Ann Thomas; and stepmother, Helen Palmer Thomas.
Dick attended Ohio State University where he met the love of his life, Janice. Dick played varsity football at The Ohio State University, lettering in 1951 and 1952 as defensive end.
After his playing days, Dick began a career in the United States Army, serving as a tank commander, and eventually rose to the rank of Colonel.
He is survived by sons, Richard M. Thomas and wife, Penny, Michael J. Thomas and wife, Sandy, and David J. Thomas and wife, Cathie; five grandchildren, Sara Ruffner and husband, Jeff, Robert Lintz, Eric Thomas, Meaghan Thomas, and Mitchell Thomas and wife, Erica; and six great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Drew, Marin, Derek, Mallory, and Jeffrey. He is also survived by his sister, Mary T. Gribko; and sister-in-law, Mary Kay Thomas.
Dick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching Buckeye Football, and relating stories of days gone by.
A private family graveside service with military funeral honors will take place at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Va.
As Dad would say, “Well, here I am!”
He was born on Saturday, December 6, 1930, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, son of the late Fred M. and Grace Kull Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Janice L. Thomas; twin brother, Rodger Thomas; sister, Sue Ann Thomas; and stepmother, Helen Palmer Thomas.
Dick attended Ohio State University where he met the love of his life, Janice. Dick played varsity football at The Ohio State University, lettering in 1951 and 1952 as defensive end.
After his playing days, Dick began a career in the United States Army, serving as a tank commander, and eventually rose to the rank of Colonel.
He is survived by sons, Richard M. Thomas and wife, Penny, Michael J. Thomas and wife, Sandy, and David J. Thomas and wife, Cathie; five grandchildren, Sara Ruffner and husband, Jeff, Robert Lintz, Eric Thomas, Meaghan Thomas, and Mitchell Thomas and wife, Erica; and six great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Drew, Marin, Derek, Mallory, and Jeffrey. He is also survived by his sister, Mary T. Gribko; and sister-in-law, Mary Kay Thomas.
Dick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching Buckeye Football, and relating stories of days gone by.
A private family graveside service with military funeral honors will take place at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Va.
As Dad would say, “Well, here I am!”