Dr. Dan Thomas

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Dr. Dan Thomas, age 67 of Nevada, died of renal failure on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, in St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin after a long illness. He was born on Sept. 10, 1942, to Roy and Lilas (Weber) Thomas. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1960.

He was a dedicated athlete, and his love for sports was evident in his career choice as an athletic coach and teacher. He received his bachelor's and masters degrees in physical education at Pittsburg (Kan.) State University and his Ed.D. in Physiology of Exercise at Oklahoma State University. He was a sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes at both the high school and university level and worked with hundreds of young athletes. The second half of his career he served as director of sales in all southeastern states for Everpure Water Systems, again coaching young people under his supervision.

During his adult life he was a faithful servant of the Lord, and up until the time he lost his health, he spent many hours teaching and bringing people closer to God. This work included two published books on Christian living and his own Christian Web site. He also worked with recently released prisoners, using his skills to help them get back on the right track through evening Bible classes.

He was a songwriter (writing more than 250 songs) and loved to play the keyboard and sing. In his retiring years he enjoyed oil painting, and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Sandra Thomas of the home; his two sons and their families, Troy Thomas and daughter Mason of Oklahoma City, and Aaron Thomas, his wife Shelia, daughter Sydney, and step-daughter Jerika Rosenquist of Stillwater, Okla. Also surviving are his sister Juna Green of Springfield, Mo.; his sister and brother-in-law, Melba and Lee Burris of Springfield; Sandra's sister and brother-in-law, Linda and K.C. Moore of Sedalia; Sandra's brother and wife, Ken and Marilyn Hawkins of Montgomery, Ala.; and Sandra's niece Dr. Robyn Moore of Nevada, one of Dan's many guardian angels during his 10-year struggle on dialysis. Survivors also include nephews and nieces, numerous other relatives and countless caring Nevada friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada with Dr. William Cox officiating. Interment will follow in the Welborn Cemetery, northwest of Moundville. Friends may call from now until the hour of service on Tuesday and the family received friends from 7-8 p.m., on Monday.