John Thomas

John Anderson Thomas, 71, of Kansas City, Missouri, was born Monday, May 29, 1939 in Strasburg, Missouri, the son of Earnest and Fannie Mae (Anderson) Thomas. He departed this life at 1:55 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2011 at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri.

He was baptized on April 11, 1954 at Community Presbyterian Church in Blue Lake, California and presently attended First Lutheran Church, Mission Hills, Kansas.

John graduated from Kingsville High School on May 17, 1957. On May 27, 1961 he was united in marriage to Patricia Dolphin. He served in the U.S. Army from June 1962 until August 1965; he continued service in the Army Reserves until May 1968. On April 22, 1995 he was united in marriage to Laurie Kesemann. He was employed at the Ash Grove Cement Company for 34 years.

He was a lifetime volunteer of the Boy Scouts of America and achieved Sachem rank in the Mic-O-Say tribe. He was a past volunteer at the Kansas City Zoo and the Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City. He was also a former commander of the Lee's Summit American Legion. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Daniel Thomas and one half brother David Weatherford.

He is survived by his wife Laurie of the home; one brother, Frank Thomas of Honolulu, Hawaii; his daughter Kimberly Thomas Gadson and son-in-law Colonel Gregory Gadson of Fort Belvoir, Virginia; one son Bryan Thomas of Independence, Missouri; two granddaughters Angela Thomas and Gabrielle Gadson; one grandson Jaelen Gadson. He is also survived by one stepdaughter Tammy (Dave) Boeschen; two stepsons, Dr. Timothy (Tammy) Kesemann and Terrance Kesemann; two step granddaughters, Jessica Boeschen and Sydney Kesemann; three step grandsons, Mark Boeschen, Cody Gabriel, and Tristin Kesemann; two cousins, Eleanor Steadman and Don Carpenter.

Per John's wish private graveside services were held in the Strasburg Cemetery.

A Mic-O-Say memorial service was held on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at the First Lutheran Church, Mission Hills. Reverend Keith Hohly minister of the church officiated.

Memorial contributions are suggested to The Boy Scouts of America or First Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family and the video tribute may be viewed at www.stanley-dickeyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong, Pleasant Hill, Missouri (816) 540-5550