Keith LeRoy Thomas

Memorial services for Keith LeRoy Thomas, 85, Lawrence, Kan., will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at Vinland United Methodist Church, Baldwin City, Kan.

Mr. Thomas died of congestive heart failure in his sleep at his home with family on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017.

He was born on May 2, 1931 in Fort Scott (Bourbon County), Kan., the only son of Kenneth and Edna (Farmer) Thomas. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1949, and then attended Fort Scott Community College majoring in sociology.

On March 11, 1959 he married his great love, Georgia Lee Bailey, also of Ft. Scott.

From 1951 to 1953 Mr. Thomas was known as Pastor Keith Thomas whilst serving as a clergyman for the Methodist Ministry, Ottawa District, Kan. He and his wife served three churches, one each in Hiattville, Gerard and Pawnee.

In 1953, Mr. Thomas joined the United States Army and left in 1955 as a corporal with an honorable discharge. He then went on to complete eight years with the Army Reserves.

In 1955, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas settled in Lawrence, Kan., where Keith found work as an auto parts manager for BF Goodrich. He then moved onto Dale Willey Automotive and then retired from Larry's Auto Supply in 1993.

Mr. Thomas joined the Kansas Free Masons where he was a member for 65 years. Keith was a firm believer of helping others and of those in need. Among his patrons were the Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org), Paralyzed Veterans of America (supportveterans.org), Easter Seals (easterseals.com), St Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) and Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org).

Mr. Thomas had a great love for his family and his country. He liked the outdoors and country music. He had an affinity for a good box of Russell Stover chocolates, cookies and coconut cream pie. He took great joy in visiting the National Parks like Yellowstone National Park, Redwood National Park, Pikes Peak National Forest, Disney Land and camping in Denver, Colo. He was equally fond of zoos and museums.

Survivors of the home include his wife of 66 years Georgia Lee (Bailey) Thomas, Lawrence, Kan., his son, Dwayne K. (Elisa) Thomas of Lawrence, Kan., his daughter Debra L. (Bruce) Thomas of Louisville, MS, eight grandchildren, Daniel (Kristine) Thomas, Lawrence, David (Leah) Thomas, Lawrence, Michael (Jackie) Thomas, Lawrence, Cary Smith, Lawrence, Seth Thomas, Kansas City, Mo., Jennifer and Heather Burke, Salina, Kan. Mr. Thomas also had 12 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Edna (Farmer) Thomas, his only sister Beverly Arlene (Thomas) Davis, his brother-in-law Conrad (Connie) Davis, granddaughter Heather and great-granddaughter Gabriella.

Cards and letters can be sent to the family at 660 E.1450 Rd., Lawrence, KS 66044

The family suggests memorials to the church and/or his favorite charities sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences at rumsey-yost.com