Richard Dale Thomas
October 11, 1934 ~ December 10, 2011
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Richard 'Dick' Dale Thomas, 77, of Pueblo, died peacefully on Dec. 10, 2011, at St. Mary Corwin Hospital. Dick was born Oct. 11, 1934, and raised in Swink, Colo. He was the youngest of 12 children born to Charles and Nellie Thomas. Survived by his wife of 54 years, Eleanor Thomas; children, Paula Marie Yacconi of Pueblo, Robert (Laurie) Thomas of Tulsa, Okla. and Rhonda (Bill) Davidson of Pueblo; sister, Amanda 'Mandy' Bravo of Swink; sister-in-law, Betty Jo Thomas of Rocky Ford; five grandchildren, Remo and Drew Yacconi, Patrick and Katie Thomas and Dillon Gonzales; two step-grandchildren, Thea (daughter, Jade) and Teage Connors; numerous nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Randy Gregory. Preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Leonard 'Pete', Annie, Dorothy 'Dutch', Charles 'Willie', Homer 'Monk', Mary, William 'Spec', Wilma 'Sally', John 'Ham' and Freddie 'Little Speck'. Dick served in the US Navy from 1951-1955. Dick graduated from Adams State College in 1962. He retired from District #60 after teaching 30 years in La Veta and Pueblo Schools. Dick was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Elks, American Legion, Eagles, Masonic Scottish Rite, Shrine and the Football Basketball Association. He was honored to be Al Kaly Potentate in 1989. Dick and Eleanor enjoyed traveling around the world with their Shriner buddies. Dick was a man of many talents, avid golfer, devoted father, grandfather and friend. He spent his last years lovingly caring for his wife, Ellie. He gave much to Pueblo, influencing generations of children through teaching and refereeing football and basketball. He served his community with generosity in many civic organizations. Dick had a firm personality where things had to be done 'Dick's way!' He will be sadly missed by all. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Service, 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at First Methodist Church, 11th and Court, with the Rev. Dr. Rick Calhoun officiating, concluding with Masonic Rites. Military honors by Pueblo Veterans' Ritual Team and inurnment, Mountain View Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of food and flowers, memorials may be made to Al Kaly Shrine Transportation Fund or Alzheimer's Association through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
I taught several years at Highland Park with Dick. He was a wonderful teacher and wonderful person. I was so sorry to see that he had passed away. He will be missed. I enjoyed his sense of humor and dedication to the job. My love and prayers are with the Thomas family.
Thomas Family…my Aunt Sharon was a neighbor of yours…I spent alot of time with Rhonda when we were in high school. I remember how special he was and how much he loved you all. Prayers of comfort and peace are with you all.
To Eleanor and family,
I am sorry for your loss! Dick was a very special person.I have such great memories officiating with Dick and our trips to and from the games. He will be greatly missed and cherished in our hearts forever! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
We are presently in TX, but are current neighbors from Pueblo. We are saddened with you! Dick was a good man…a good neighbor and we will miss him too! Verne will especially miss his “curb side chats” with Dick. Please know that even though we are not there in Colorado, we do share this with you and are there in “spirit”! May God’s peace be yours in a special way and may His love surround you all now and in time to come. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our sincere love and sympathy. We care!
Verne and Nancy Luellen
Sincerest condolences to the family.
To Eleanor and all the family. I’ve known Dick since school days in Swink, and I’m sorry he’s gone. Please accept my condolences for the loss of a good man.
You are sadly missed. Your teaching and committment to education will touch children, including your grandchildren, forever. I can see your smile in my mind’s eye. Love,
Bridget
To the family of Dick Thomas,
We were neighbors for many years in La Veta Colorado. You were our dear friends and we send you our deepest sympathy.
Dad is in the veterans home in Walsenburg and mom lives in Canada. Bruce told me he visited wth Paula five years ago. You shared the same memories. We lost Bruce on May 25th,2006. Your mom and dad made the best red velvet cake and I will never forget when they got the new red Pontiac car. We send you our love and friendship and our deepest sympathy. Your dear dad was a very special man. Our love to your mom too. Nancy Bailey Geiser and Jo Bailey