Claremore Daily Progress

Obituaries

March 7, 2013

Rick Charles Thomas, Sr.

Staff Reports Staff Writer

CLAREMORE — A celebration of the life of Rick Charles Thomas, Sr. will be 3 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2013 in the Chapel of the Garden at Rice Funeral Service.  

Rick passed away on Monday, March 4, 2013. He was 57.  

Born in Fillmore, Utah on May 20, 1955 to Melvin H. and Mona (Haas) Thomas, Rick and his family made their home in many areas of the United States and Puerto Rico due to his father’s career in the Marines.  Eventually the family settled in Oklahoma.  Rick spent his junior high years in Avant, and his high school years in Skiatook, graduating with the class of 1973.  Following his graduation, Rick began his career with Martin Marietta as a Lab Tech.  Rick gave 22 years of service before retiring in 1995.

On October 11, 1975, Rick married Debbie Sims and the couple made their home in Claremore where together they raised two sons.  Rick and Debbie were very active parents and ardent supporters of the Oologah Mustangs, where he served as president of the booster club.  He also served as Claremore’s recreational baseball commissioner.  

Rick was a devoted father and coached both boys’ sports teams.  He was proud of his sons, and motivated them to work hard and strive for success in all they did.  An avid reader and current events junkie, he often surprised his family with facts and random knowledge seemingly pulled from out of thin air.  His family often joked that he would be the person you’d want for a phone-a-friend.

Ever competitive, Rick could make a competition out of the simplest things.  He loved fantasy sports and spent hours planning teams and setting starting line ups.  This was something he enjoyed sharing with his boys.  Rick loved to golf, bowled 180 plus and could spend hours baiting his line.  As long as the fish were biting, Rick was a happy man.

Rick sacrificed for his family and always made sure they never went without.  His days were brightened and his life was enriched by the addition of grandchildren to the family.  “Pops” always had special presents at every visit and the kids always looked forward to spending time with him. He shared his love of animals with his family, welcoming numerous strays to the home. His love for people and his caring nature extended beyond his family, even to complete strangers.  Rick was known to always lend a helping hand and didn’t think twice before reaching out to those in need.

This wonderful husband, father and Pops leaves many treasured memories. Those family members who survive include his wife Debbie of their home in Claremore; his sons Rick Thomas Jr. and wife Brandi Sebring Thomas and Eric Thomas all of Tulsa; his beloved grandchildren Jack Elliot, Brody Scott and Stella Sebring Thomas; his brothers Mike Thomas and wife Karen of Muskogee and Danny Thomas of Avant; his step-mother Chung Thomas, his mother-in-law Betty Sims and his sister-in-law Linda Lang.  He was preceded in death by his mother Mona, his father Melvin, his sister Jackie Olivarez and brother Dennis Thomas.

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