In MEMORIAM
Expanded Eulogies
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
David Thomas
David Dale Thomas, 90, of Marion, passed away on Thursday evening, Dec. 8, 2016.
He was born May 11, 1926, in Sheridan, Illinois, the son of Rev. W.R. and Essie Friend Thomas.
Since his dad was a pastor, they lived in many places while growing up, including Brainerd, Minnesota, where he attended grade school. His family later moved to Maple Grove, and he went high school in Osseo, Minnesota.
He enlisted in the Navy before he graduated on his birthday, May 11, 1944.
He served in the Pacific specifically Okinawa, and was discharged honorably as a coxswain on June 1, 1946.
The following fall, he entered Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, where he met Virginia Hayen. The following year they were married and made their home in Osseo, Minnesota.
They had three children: Jacqueline, W.R. “Tom,” and Michael.
In 1953, they moved to Marion. He was a State Farm insurance agent, field man for the Herington Livestock Exchange and a driver for AMPI dairy.
He attended Youngstown United Methodist Church years ago and, in recent times, attended Marion Presbyterian Church.
He enjoyed working with Jerry Harp on ambulance runs and during those years they formed the first EMT service in Marion.
He especially enjoyed the Marion County Fair since his children were in 4-H, and they showed beef cattle and horses at the fair. He was a project adult leader for 4-H, and was a member of VFW Post #6958
He is survived by his children, Jackie Magee and husband Dave of Guffey, Colorado, Tom Thomas and wife Patti of Marion, and Mike Thomas and wife Gayle of Marion; six grandchildren, Adam Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Joel Thomas, Leann Klenda, Charles Magee, and Crystal Magee; six great-grandchildren, Ashley Magee and Rylee Thomas, Clayton Thomas, Kollin Klenda, Wesley Klenda, and Wiley Thomas; siblings, James Thomas of St. Paul, Minnesota, Carolyn Reeck of St. Peter, Minnesota, and Catherine Hayen of Topeka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Margaret Simard; and his brothers-in-law, Warren Reeck and Ernie Simard.
Dave was cremated. A memorial service will be held later at Marion Presbyterian Church, 610 Lawrence St., Marion, KS 66861.
Memorials may be made to Marion Home Healthcare or Marion Presbyterian Church.
Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka is assisting the family.