In Remembrance Of
Dr. Wilbert Roy Thomas
Dr. Wilbert “Roy” Thomas, 87 of Smithville, MO passed away, Wednesday, June 18, 2014.
He was born on January 20, 1927 to William Roden and Goldtena (Mack) Thomas in Pond Creek, OK. In 1945 Roy graduated from Versailles High School in Versailles, MO. He then served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. After his honorable discharge he attended the University of Missouri where he received his Bachelors in Education. He later received his Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Missouri and his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota.
On February 26, 1950 he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Thompson they had five children and they lived in Smithville, MO. His wife, Mary Jane, passed away in 1979. On December 15, 1990 he married Linda Wilson Bennett, and became the father of her three children. They lived in Roanoke Rapids, NC for 20 years, and in 2008 they moved to Smithville.
Roy was an Agricultural Teacher, Counselor and Football Line Coach at Smithville High School for 19 years. He was a Professor in the Counseling Department at Texas A&M, and retired as the Director of the Research Coordinating Unit for the State of West Virginia, stationed at Marshall University.
Roy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Smithville where he served as Elder Emeritus and taught Sunday School. He was elected President of the National Research Association, and won the Silver Spoon Award from the PM Magazine as well as numerous other awards.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Ray Thomas, sisters Rosella Shockley and Elsie Williams, infant daughter, Wanda Royena Thomas, son Bill Thomas, daughter Alice Matthews, step-son Tommy Bennett, granddaughter Kristie Matthews, and son-in-law Charlie Rhodes, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home; children, Tena Rhodes, Jeanette Baker and husband Dan, John Thomas, Kathy Hinton and husband Guy, and Jennifer Chasser and husband Michael; twenty-two grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, June 23rd at the First Baptist Church in Smithville, MO.
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 24th at the church.
Graveside Service with Military Honors: 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at Versailles Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the church.
Arrangements: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.
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3 comments
Sharon Riley Pemberton
Roy was a wonderful man, teacher & friend to all that knew him. He taught many years with my Dad, Harold Riley at Smithville & they had a special relationship. My thought & prayers are with you all.
Joanie Davis Creech
Mr Roy was a very thoughtful and
caring person. I will never forget the
many trips he made to the office in
Jackson and his cooking lunch for the
EC staff. My deepest sympathies are
with you and your family.
Leanie Mckenzie
I will always remember Roy and told him I wish I had a Dad like him. I will forever remember the Tiffany Lamp he told me to bid on. He was a Godly Man with a gentle spirit. God Bless His Family at this time peace!
Leanie