Burt J. Thomas

Burt J. Thomas, 86, of Kansas City, passed away, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, Sunday, January 20, 2008.

He was born on March 18, 1921 to Lee Burt and Marie Catherine (Kelly) Thomas in Boise, Idaho, where he grew up and attended school. Burt participated in the Youth Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as a teenager. He was a WWII Veteran serving in the Pacific Theater. Burt attended Art Center School in Los Angeles.

On December 28, 1946 he was united in marriage to Betty Belle Hawkins. After their marriage they lived in Kansas City, where they made their home.

Burt was a machinist for Bendix, retiring in 1983 after 34 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion in Kansas City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Dwain “Buck’ Smith, sister-in-law, Louise Hawkins, and grandson-in-law, Nick Lane.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home, children, David Thomas and Paula Ziegman, Omaha, NE, Beth Garrett, Kansas City, MO, and John and Ann Thomas, Prairie Village, KS; grandchildren, Blake and Alistair Wandesforde, Chesley and Matt Kudlacz, all of Brooklyn, NY, Katie Lane, Kansas City, Luke and Crystal Garrett, Lacey, WA, and David, Laura, Jane, and Mary Cate Thomas, all of Prairie Village, KS; great-grandchildren, Louise, Gordon, Thomas, Nick and Tyson; sister-in-law, Lora Dean Smith, Gower, MO; other relatives and many friends. The family would like to thank Sherry Kirby for the exceptional care given to Burt during this past month.

Funeral Service with Military Honors: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 23^rd at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Burial: Allen Cemetery, Gower.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Gower, PO Box 110, Gower, MO 64454.