"IN THIS LIFE, WE WILL NEVER BE TRULY APART, FOR WE GREW TO THE SAME BEAT OF OUR MOTHER'S HEART."

It is with great sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of our mother's beloved son and our brother, Richard Dale Thomas, Jr., better known as Rick, as he was preferred to be called.

He passed away at the age of 71 on May 30, 2024, at Reid Memorial Hospital, after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Rick was born December 2, 1952, at Reid Hospital in Richmond, IN, to his loving Mother, Phyllis Joyce (Wood) Thomas and Father, Richard Dale Thomas, Sr. (deceased) and was the eldest sibling to his 3 sisters, Cindy (Thomas) Stoltenberg, Robin (Thomas) Lotich, Amy (Thomas) Farmer, youngest brother, Troy Thomas, and last but not least to his brother, Pastor Mark Thomas, who preceded him in death 7 years ago.

Rick was an Army Veteran who proudly served our country during the Vietnam War.  Rick had an immense passion for music, playing the guitar, songwriting, and singing.  In his glory days, he loved to sit and strum on his guitar and sing meaningful songs or ones he had written, to those who had an appreciation for his talent.  He also had a flair for comedy and loved to make people laugh with his quacky, Donald Duck voice or mimic Bill Cosby with his "little, tiny hairs" routine.

After returning from Vietnam, over time, Rick became a product of what war often brings to its soldiers.  We began witnessing the lack of joy and happiness that slipped away from him and PTSD, depression and sickness took its place.  It is difficult to watch a loved one fade away from us, but we will always hold near and dear, the love, light and memories he brought to each of us.

Please give honor to Rick, who passed away on the original Memorial Day Observance, May 30th, and to all of our veterans who ultimately paid the price as a casualty of war.

"DEATH LEAVES A HEARTACHE NO ONE CAN HEAL; LOVE LEAVES A MEMORY NO ONE CAN STEAL."

We will be having a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service to pay respect to Rick on June 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. to be held at Grace Community Church, located at 20 NW 15th St., Richmond, IN 47374.  All who knew and loved Rick are welcomed. If you would like to send flowers, please call Pastor Gary Reynolds at 765-541-2841 for delivery arrangements to the church.