Ronald F. Thomas
March 6, 1924 – June 10, 2020
US Navy (Pacific Theater) WWII veteran.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita; son, Paul; parents, Ronald E. and Theresa Thomas; sisters: Catherine Thomas, Marie Amato, and Margaret Gambino. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Kathleen (Steve) Hess, Ronald R. Thomas, Nancy (Pat) Brock, Laurie (Jon) Wagner, and Lynne (Mark) Pitner; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Pat (Fran) Thomas; and sister, Mildred Pankers.
He was a graduate of the University of Nebraska. He enjoyed travel, sports, theater, and especially quality time spent with his family.
VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Monday, June 15th from 5:30pm to 7pm, at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.
SERVICES: Tuesday, June 16th, 10am, West Center Chapel to St. Pius X Catholic Church for 10:30am MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL, 6905 Blondo St. (St. Pius X Catholic Church requires masks.)
ENTOMBMENT: Calvary Mausoleum II with military honors. Memorials will be directed by the family. St. Pius X Catholic Church requires masks.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil, Mass or Graveside Service,
go to our website and click the View Live Cast button on our homepage or click on service links below.
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Ron was born March 6, 1924 in Hastings, Nebraska, the son of Ronald E. and Theresa (Lenihan) Thomas. He was raised in Omaha, attended Holy Name Grade School and graduated from Omaha North High School where he was very active in athletics. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in the South Pacific theatre, Midway Island, where he dealt with Aviation Ordinance. On March 17, 1946 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rita Musiel , at St. John’s Church on the campus of Creighton University.
Ron graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a degree in Journalism. He and Rita eventually moved to Omaha where they raised their 6 children and contentedly remained there the rest of their lives.
Ron enjoyed sports as a spectator or a participant even snow skiing in his 80’s and golfing in his 90’s! One of he and Rita’s greatest joys came from watching their children and grandchildren’s activities and being an active part of them. He and Rita were able to travel extensively to many parts of the world: exploring the wonders of Egypt, enjoying shows in Las Vegas, and relaxing on sea cruises were some of their favorite destinations.
Ron’s faith was a vital part of his life and he and Rita were one of the founding families of St. Pius X and remained active in the parish educating all their children at the grade school.
Ron was a caring, loving, and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was so proud of all his family’s accomplishments. In recent years, having the opportunity to hold and caress his precious great grandchildren brought him so much pleasure.
Those left to cherish this wonderful man’s memory are his children: Kathleen (Steve) Hess, Ron, Nancy (Pat) Brock, Laurie (Jon) Wagner, Lynne (Mark) Pitner; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brother Pat (Fran) Thomas and sister Mildred Pankers.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years Rita, beloved son Paul, sisters: Marie Amato, Margaret Gambino and Catherine Thomas.
Vigil Service Link: https://boxcast.tv/view/ronald-thomas-zxxhmxt8drbomfmz65qh
Funeral Service Link: https://boxcast.tv/view/ronald-thomas-funeral-service-672248
11 Comments
To Uncle Ron, my mom’s big brother. I’ll always remember your encouraging conversation with my dad during his difficult times. Rest with God. Comfort for your awesome family.
Thank you, Joe, for your kind words and sharing Dad’s optimistic nature as reflected in belief in your Father’s many talents and abilities.
Sending my most sincere sympathies to Ron & his whole family.
Thanks Denise, our family appreciates it
Thank you for being such a great big brother. I’ll miss celebrating our birthdays together.
My deepest condolences to the family. Keeping you all in my prayers.
My condolences and sympathies to the whole family. It is good that he got to live a long, full life.
Ron & Rita are together once again dancing in heaven. . Our prayers are with the family What loving beautiful memories you all have of a wonderful man. God bless you all.
Sorry to hear your loss
Prayers and sympathy to his wonderful family..
Uncle Ron is once again with his beautiful bride, Aunt Rita. Love, prayers and sincere condolences to all the family.
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