Donald Lee “Don” Thomas, 72, of Arkansas City, passed away Monday, December 20, 2021, at the Presbyterian Manor. Graveside services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 27, 2021, at the Parker Cemetery. Pastor Dave Stanley will officiate. Visitation hours will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home and Crematory.
Don was born November 3, 1949, to Murrell E. and Helen W. (Cox) Thomas in Concordia, Kansas. He grew up and attended schools in Concordia, graduating from Concordia High School in 1968. After high school Don attended Beloit Vo-Tec School for Masonry. In 1969, Don joined the U.S. Army and served his country proud until his honorable discharge in 1971.
On December 15, 1972, he married Ginger Krob in Concordia. The couple made their home in Concordia until moving to Arkansas City in 1981. Don worked as a welder for many different companies throughout the years but mainly worked for C.E. Manufacturing in Concordia. Don was always willing to help a friend in need. He would help them on their homes and their businesses. Don enjoyed doing mason work, working on cars, and he could fix just about anything. Most of all he cherished spending time with his family. Don was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Concordia.
Survivors include his wife, Ginger of the home; son, Jeremy Thomas and wife, Wendy of Mulvane, Kan.; daughter, Amy Eickleberry and husband, Robert of Derby, Kan.; brother, Robert Thomas of Concordia, Kan.; grandchildren, Caitlyn Eickleberry of Raleigh, N.C., Theo Thomas of Mulvane, Kan.; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Barbara Fisher, and infant brother, Charles.
A memorial has been established for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home. Arrangements are pending under the direction of the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.rindt-erdman.com.
