John Dick Thomas
JOHN DICK THOMAS, 84, left our presence sooner than we hoped on June 24, 2020 in Texas City, Texas. Born on October 11, 1935 in Bossier City, LA) to Lester and Frankie Thomas. J.D. (“Dickie” to many) reunited in the hereafter with his parents, sister, Linda Hamilton, and son, George M. “Monty” Thomas and is survived by: his wife, Nina M. (Snyder) Thomas; daughter, Cheryl Thomas Lyman; son, Michael Lester Thomas and wife, Jenna M. Thomas; grandchildren, Alexandra Waits, Tyrus Cukavac, Mallory J. (Thomas) Heller and husband, Channing Heller, Jillian K. Thomas, Michael C. Thomas and wife, Lauren Thomas, Matthew G. Thomas and wife, Liz Jablonski, Lester F. Thomas, and Louis J. Thomas; as well as great grandchildren, Alma, Eleanora, Emersyn, Isla, Lucilla, and Richard Clell, plus beloved Hamilton nieces Julie, Amy, and nephew, James “Stonie,” numerous cousins and a host of lifelong friends.
When his nation called, he answered by serving in the Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, rather than pursue college, he went to work in a range of vocations; a skilled auto and truck mechanic, refinery pipefitter, commercial truck driver, entrepreneur in equine transportation, and finally retiring from his Longshoreman’s career as a highly respected member in good standing with I.L.A. Local 1273 serving the greater Port of Houston area. JD had a passion for anything that went fast on wheels, tracks, hooves or water and spent MANY hours fishing with his son, Monty, and riding motorcycles with his friends (Sturgis was never quite the same). His ashes will be scattered over his grandfather’s peach orchard in Illinois, and Saturday, the 27th of June, a brief visitation will be held from 2:00pm to 4:00pm followed be a memorial service at 4:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home Chapel, 111 East Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX 77598.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in John D. Thomas memory may do so to a disabled veterans or similar organization of your choice.
*We ask all visitors to comply with current Harris County and medical guidance by please wearing your mask and practice appropriate safe distancing.*
This man a man to look up to, you will be dearly missed in my life. What a Grandpa and role model you were for me that created a lot of what makes me who I am and I will be forever grateful on the lessons I have had from you as such a wonderful grandfather. He taught me the core of what it means to have a strong work ethic. In his lesson, he said it perfect. This has helped me find success in my own life. He said to me I think a few times but for sure after graduating college and high school, “son it doesn’t matter what job/career you you have but whatever it is whether your digging ditches, you make sure you dig them the deepest straightest most narrow ditch and do the best work out there and work harder than any other person.”
I have many other things i wish I could have shared with you such as my family and that will be something I will have trouble with for never being able to get down recently to have them meet you in person. I am still thinking on and may want to share a few things further but this lesson above truly was a echo in my head that helped me push myself further and further and it still applies to me this day. You also shared with me how important it is to love your kids and put the time in with family. I was lucky to speak with you one last time about a month ago and it was the best call we had in a long time like you were letting me know your love for me and that all will be well!
I feel as if I felt you that morning when you left your body as I woke up around 4am as if your spirit was further with me. Your spirit and soul lives on within me I feel that and love you and miss you. I will follow through on the lessons and values you have given me and be sure to do the same to my own children. Love you Grandpa!
Dear Dickey
You took me in like you had known me forever. For that I am forever grateful. I know how much you meant to my husband. A bond that can never be broken. I had so much respect for the way you continued to take care of your son. And all of the guys sons knew you as Uncle Dickey and the ALL loved this honor. I loved your humor, whether appropriate or not! You are a very special man to so many but I just want to thank you for loving me and my family. Rest In Peace Dickey!You have a lot of people to go do some catching up with❤️
Rest easy uncle dickey, forever in my heart. You were as genuine as they come. For ever my uncle dickey
The first time we met, who knew we would be lifetime friends, I love you like a brother. You were one of a kind, that is for sure! Oh, how I’m going to miss you. Love,Hugs and Prayers for your family.
Never met a man like Dickey, loved our visits when he came to Illinois to help on the farm. Enjoyed our Chinese every single time! I’m gunna miss you Mr. Dickey but I’ll always remember the talks we had and the smile in your eyes ❤️
My Father worked out of I.L.A. 1273 until 1992. His name was George Armstrong. They must have known each other. Our most sincere condolences to you and your family. From an I.L.A Brother…