Dave was born in Kansas City, Kansas to James Gilbert Thomas and Lois Cunningham Thomas. He grew up in Johnson County and graduated from Shawnee Mission West and went on to graduate from Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kansas. While attending Pittsburg, he met and married Linda Hamilton of Pleasanton, Kansas. They were blessed to have 57 years of marriage and happily raised two sons, Jeff and Rob.
Dave spent his entire professional life working for Hallmark Cards as a Fire Protection Engineer with 37 years of service, traveling to all Hallmark facilities in the United States and Europe. He also was a proud member of the International Fire Protection Association and Industrial Fire protection Section of the NFPA.
David was known for his incredible handyman skills and was always ready to lend a hand to friends and family with household projects. In retirement he continued using his skills by working alongside his son Rob at Thomas and Sons Remodeling and later having Jeff join in forming East Fabrication.
Dave had a variety of interests including monthly card games with long time friends of over 40 years and playing cribbage with his neighbors and friends. He loved buying and selling cars and loved to help friends “kick tires”. He had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles and collecting Case knives, even getting other friends to start their own collections. His love of trains as a child inspired him to collect American Flyer model trains as well as LGB models.
Lake of the Ozarks was a favorite getaway place. Enjoying boating and fishing with family, old friends, and making new friends that have lasted through the years. Dave ended up following those friends to Arizona to escape the cold winters of the midwest.
David is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his sons, Jeff Thomas (wife Jenny) and Rob Thomas; and his cherished granddaughters, Katie Thomas and Sara Thomas; and his brother by another mother, Rex Collier. Dave was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation is scheduled for 10-11 am Tuesday, October 22, 2024, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas. Interment in Richland State Line Cemetery in Pleasanton, Kansas at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in David's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
