Rodney Newton 'Rod' Thomas, Dighton
https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/Thomas-Rodney/5202680/
April 20th, 1953 - May 20th, 2023
Rodney Newton “Rod” Thomas peacefully passed away in his sleep on May 20, 2023 in his home in Dighton, Kansas. Rod was born on April 20, 1953, in Cheyenne Wells, CO to Marion and Eloise (Showalter) Thomas.
Rod is survived by his daughter Stacie Thomas Heckathorn, son-in-law Ryan Heckathorn, grandson Landon Thomas, Hayley Metcalfe, great-grandson Beau Thomas; siblings Becky Stormont (Marc), Randy Thomas (Millie), Rick Thomas and many nieces and nephews.
Rod was preceded in death by his sister Rachelle, his brother Russell, and his parents.
Rod graduated from Dighton High School in 1971. He fully participated in football, basketball, track and cross country. Later on he graduated from DeVry University with an associate degree in information technology.
Rod worked in a wide variety of occupations including early construction on the Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Burlington, KS. Later on he traveled around the world trouble shooting information technology issues and repairing office equipment for major banks. Additionally, he was trusted to train his company’s new hires.
In 1993, Rod returned to Dighton to engage in his first love... farming. For 30 years, he was the consummate farmer meticulously taking care of every acre on the Thomas Family Farm.
In the same way, he loved his family and made them his first priority. Stacie, Ryan, Landon, Hayley and Beau were deeply loved and consistently supported by Rod. He always made himself available for them.
As a member of the Dighton community, Rod was a willing helper taking care of many people by driving them to their medical appointments in Dighton, Scott City, Garden City, Hays, and Wichita. Much of his community work was known only to those individuals he stepped forward to help. He was an avid supporter of Dighton Hornet athletics. Additionally, Rod was a board member on the Garden City CO-OP in Dighton and he served on several farm boards.
An avid hunter and fisherman, he loved the land and took special care to conserve the resources which the land provided.
A hard-core Kansas State University Cat-backer, he loved hearing the “Wabash Cannonball” being played after a Cat win over the Jayhawks.
Lastly, Rod was a lifetime friend to countless people. Each was deeply blessed by his presence in their life.
Memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at United Methodist Church in Dighton with Rev A.G. Turner officiating. Burial will be in Dighton Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to United Methodist church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com or sent to Box 546, Dighton, KS 67839.