Dickey Thomas

Dickey Ray Thomas, 82, of Cape Girardeau died peacefully Monday, June 26, 2017, at Ratliff Care Center, with his family by his side.

He was born Oct. 11, 1934, in Cape Girardeau to Leonard and Mildred Pickens Thomas. He married Shirley Wright on Dec. 18, 1954. Together they raised two daughters.

Dick was a retired member of Local 1770 Carpenters Union. His hobbies included stock cars, camping, carving and dancing. He was member of the River Valley Wood Carvers Club. He and Shirley were known as the "Twirling Thomases" to the kids of Alma Schrader School. He coached softball from 1973 to 1982 for the Optimist Club. Many girls called him "Coach," especially those who played for McDonald Concrete.

He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Shirley Thomas; two daughters, Gina Thomas and fiancee Cathy Amonds of Cape Girardeau and Kelly (Dennis) Kern of New Hamburg, Missouri; two granddaughters, Lindsay Kern of New Hamburg and Alicia Kern and fiance Eric Uhrhan of Scott City; one grandson, Thomas Kern of New Hamburg: two brothers, Ralph (Selba Jean) Thomas of Louisiana and Leonard (Joan) Thomas of St. Louis; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Dick will always be remembered for the smile on his face. He was truly loved and will be missed by many. He was a selfless man who never met a stranger.

At his request, there will be no funeral service. Instead, he chose to donate his body to science to further the advancement of knowledge.

The family will host a celebration of his life at a later date.

To leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.crainsonline.com.

This announcement courtesy of Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.