Richard K. Thomas

Richard Kenneth Thomas, age 82, of Conifer, Colorado, passed away on Wednesday, March 19th. He was born to the late Kenneth and Rose Thomas on August 17th, 1942, in Diamond, Ohio. Known by those close to him as Dick, he graduated from Southeast High School in 1960, then received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1965. In 1966 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. Only a few days later, he was wed to Nancy Thomas (née Minster).

Dick served on active duty for six years, and in the US Army Reserve for 21 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993. He served all over the US, in Germany, and a year-long deployment in Vietnam. During his service he received two Bronze Stars for acts of valor, two Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, a Reserve Component Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf, and numerous Letters of Commendation.

Dick was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Catholic Fraternity, and of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church. He was a man of science, always educating, and known for helping his grandchildren with science fair projects. He was also a lover of nature. He spent a great deal of time outside, traveling to over 25 National Parks and 10 countries with his family.

Dick is survived by his wife, Nancy Thomas, and four siblings: brothers Larry, John, and Dan, and his sister Kathy. He is also survived by his three children, Brian Thomas, of San Francisco, CA., Kevin Thomas of Brooklyn, NY., and Brenda Thomas of Thornton CO., as well as four grandchildren.

Please join the family in wearing purple, in honor of Dick.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

A vigil will be held at Our Lady of the Pines Church at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 7th.

Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Pines at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday April 8th.