Richard 'Dick' Lee Thomas

Richard Lee 'Dick' Thomas, age 73 of Fairfield, IA, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2008.

Family visitation will be held Friday, May 8, 2009 at Behner Funeral Home from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at 10:00 AM at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA, with Rev. Danny Cary officiating. Inurnment with military rites will be held in Iowaville Cemetery near Selma, IA following the service.

The family requests memorials be made to Emphysema Research. Cards and memorials may be sent c/o:
1926 Walnut Ave.
Lockridge, IA 52635

Richard Lee 'Dick' Thomas was born August 31, 1935 in Fairfield, IA, the son of Clarence and Madeline (Shanstrom) Thomas. He attended Fairfield Community Schools and Parsons College. He graduated from auctioneer school in 1978.

Dick was a United States Navy Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He married Carolyn Downing in 1956 and they divorced. He later married Jesse Bowman in September 1977. She died February 1979.

Dick was employed in heating and plumbing with Harry Wright. He worked for Iowa Mallable, Vega Industries from1973-1978, and Loudens, retiring in 1996. Dick was past president of Eagles Lodge #1927 in Fairfield, and a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post #2271. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, and camping, and he was an avid bowler.

Dick is survived by his children and their families: Jeff Thomas and wife Teresa of Lockridge, IA; Terry Thomas, Rhonda Neely and husband Tom, Jackie Poarch and husband Gary, all of California; and stepdaughter Leslie Bowman. He was blessed with six grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren. Survivors include siblings: Ron Thomas of Webster, Tx., Harold Lane of Fairfield, IA, Jim Lane of Fairfield, IA, Dan Lane of Brighton, IA, Karen Gordon of Washington, IA, Patty Lathrop of Fairfield, IA, Kathy Klett of Fairfield, IA, and Connie Gardner of Wales, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father James T. Lane, and two sisters, Peggy Lane and Marie Owens.