Paul Thomas

Paul Thomas

1945-2016

Paul E. Thomas, age 71, of Wanblee, South Dakota, died Sunday, September 4, 2016, at his home near Wanblee.

Paul E. Thomas was born May 16, 1945, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the son of Alfred Raymond, Jr. and Myrtle (Cayler) Thomas. He grew up on his parents’ ranch west of Wanblee and attended Garner Rural School before attending Kadoka High School. After graduating from Kadoka High School in 1963, he then graduated from Black Hills State College in Spearfish. He then taught in the Garner Rural School for two years.

Paul was united in marriage to Linda Lange in 1967. They made their home at his grandparents’ ranch west of Wanblee. Paul served in the US Army from June 24, 1970 until he was honorably discharged on January 4, 1972. After his discharge he returned to the ranch where he continued to reside and operate until his death. Linda preceded him in death on February 24, 2006. He also worked as a state brand inspector for 40 years, retiring in 2015.

Paul was a member of the American Legion Post #240 of Martin, the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge of Kadoka, the South Dakota Stockgrowers, and the Presbyterian Church of Kadoka.

Survivors include a brother Terry Thomas and his wife Brenda of Interior; one sister Nancy Peterson and her husband Buster of Kadoka; seven nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, September 9, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka.

Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 10, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post #240 of Martin, was held at the Kadoka Cemetery.Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Chapel of Kadoka.

His online guestbook is available at http://www.rushfuneralhome.com

FUNERAL SERVICES:

Saturday, September 10, 2016 – 2:00 p.m.

Presbyterian Church

Kadoka, South Dakota

CLERGY

Pastor Gary McCubbin

MUSIC

Mark Thomas – Vocalist

Ruth McCubbin – Pianist

“Wings of a Dove”

“Shall We Gather at the River”

“Seven Spanish Angels”

USHERS

Steve Arment – Mark Slovek

PALLBEARERS

Brett Guptill – Dustin Harvey

Sterling Riggins – Jay Vogelgesang

Scott Boomer – Shayne Porch

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS

Kadoka Cemetery

Kadoka, South Dakota