Edward Richard Thomas

E. Richard Thomas, 78 of Merkel passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. He was born October 6, 1942 in Tulia, TX to Edward Thomas and Mary Sue Thomas.

Richard attended school in Happy, TX

Richard spent many years as a racehorse jockey; He was a farmer and rancher who loved to rope, ride, and raise livestock. When Richard wasn’t working with livestock, he and his wife spent their time visiting family and friends.  Richard always had a smile on his face and he never met a stranger.  Richard attended Merkel Baptist Church. Richard’s love of ranching and farming were only surpassed by the love he had for his family.  

Richard is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Dorothy Thomas; Children Dana Reese of Achille, OK, Tammy Owens of Merkel, TX, Buddy Thomas of Honey Grove, TX, Janet Bosaw of Watauga, TX, and Dustin Thomas of Lubbock, TX.  Richard is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Mary Sue Thomas, brothers Johnny and Danny Thomas, daughter Lorie Phillips, and great-granddaughter Tatum Thomas.

Richard will be greatly missed and forever loved.

Services will be announced at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Richard Thomas, please visit our floral store.