David Dale Thomas

David Dale Thomas, 90, of Marion, Kansas passed away on Thursday evening, December 8, 2016. He was born May 11, 1926 in Sheridan, Illinois the son of Rev. W.R. and Essie Friend Thomas. Since his dad was a pastor they lived in many places while growing up, including Brainerd, MN where he attended grade school and later his family moved to Maple Grove and he went high school in Osseo, MN. He enlisted in the navy before he graduated on his birthday, May 11, 1944. He served in the pacific (specifically Okinawa) and was discharged honorably as a coxswain on June, 1, 1946.
The following fall he entered Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa where he met Virginia Hayen. The following year they were married and made their home in Osseo, MN. They had three children, Jacquelyn, W.R. “Tom” and Michael. In 1953 they moved to Marion, Kansas. He was a State Farm Insurance Agent, Field Man for the Herington Livestock Exchange and a driver for AMPI Dairy. He attended the Youngstown United Methodist Church years ago and in recent times attended the Marion Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed working with Jerry Harp on ambulance runs and during those years they formed the first EMT service in Marion. He especially enjoyed the Marion County Fair since his children where in 4H, and they showed beef cattle and horses at the fair. He was a project adult leader for 4-H. He was a member of VFW Post #6958
He is survived by his children, Jacquelyn Magee and her husband Dave of Guffey, Colorado, “Tom” Thomas and his wife Patti of Marion and Mike Thomas and his wife Gayle of Marion; six grandchildren, Adam Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Joel Thomas, Leann Klenda, Charles Magee and Crystal Magee; six great-grandchildren, Ashley Magee and Rylee Thomas, Clayton Thomas, Kollin Klenda, Wesley Klenda, and Wiley Thomas; his siblings, James Thomas of St. Paul, MN, Carolyn Reeck of St. Peter, MN and Catherine Hayen of Topeka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Margaret Simard; and his brothers-in-laws, Warren Reeck and Ernie Simard.

A memorial service will be held on February 4, 2017 at 10:30 am at the Marion Presbyterian Church, 610 Lawrence Street, Marion, Kansas 66861.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marion Home Health Care.