Ronald "Ron" Thomas

Ronald Edwin “Ron” Thomas, 71, of Whitney passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018, in Waco. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 3, 2018, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with Dr. Richard Darden officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Born April 25, 1947, in Wichita Falls, he was the son of Raymond and Francis Vestal Thomas. He grew up in Wichita Falls and graduated from Ryder High School, where he played baseball. Following graduation he enlisted in the Navy in 1967, where he was an Electronics Technician and took an active role during Vietnam. In 1970, he married Cathy Bussey and they returned to Fallon, Nevada, where he was stationed for 1 year and was transferred to San Diego for another 2 years. Upon his release in 1973, they returned back to Wichita Falls and he attended and graduated from Midwestern State University. After graduation, Ron began his career in construction equipment sales which lead him to ultimately establish and own his own successful Equipment and Auction Company in Dallas. He took leadership roles within the Baptist church, where he helped establish outreach programs for underprivileged youth along with leading Sunday school and bible studies for young adults. Amongst this; his love of sports expanded into coaching Basketball, Softball, and Soccer. Upon retirement, he settled in Whitney, where he found a delight in antiques and live music. Ron never met a stranger, loved the Lord, enjoyed talking shop about the Dallas Cowboys, and had a heart bigger than Texas.

Preceding him in death were his father, Raymond Thomas; mother, Francis Thomas; brother, Bob Thomas; mother-in-law, Beulah Bussey; and father-in-law, Joseph Bussey.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Cathy Thomas of Lake Whitney; son, Jon Thomas of Plano; sisters-in-law, Margaret Bussey of Lake Whitney and Susan Thomas of Henrietta; brother-in-law, Joe Bussey and wife, Natalie, of Lubbock; nephews, Matt Thomas of Bedford, Mike Thomas of Waxahachie, and Michael Bussey of Pampa; nieces, Ashley Thomas Carrizales of Bowie and Stephanie Wood of Lubbock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Central Texas, 2032 Circle Road, Waco, TX 76706.

Graveside Service

Friday August 3, 2018 , 11:00 AM at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery