St. Clair County Obits

HARLIN R. THOMAS

ElDorado Sun
Friday, February 13, 2009

Harlin Ray Thomas
Harlin Ray Thomas, 75, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. He was born on May 23, 1933, to Guy and Effie Thomas, the eldest of four children.

Harlin started working at the age of 13 to help support the family as was necessary during those times. In 1951, he went to work at Sheffield Steel and met the love of his life that same year. On Nov. 14, 1952, Harlin and Lela were united in marriage and to this union two sons were born.

They lived and raised their family in Kansas City. Harlin retired from the steel mill after 30 years and five months as a crane operator who loaded the first steel barges on the Missouri River headed for China. He and Lela then moved to El Dorado Springs to their 40-acre farm to raise cattle and enjoy retirement.

Harlin loved life, his family and friends. He was always there with a helping hand and a smile. One of his greatest pleasures was going to country dances and dancing till the last song was played. He enjoyed going fishing, taking care of his cattle, having his family around him and visiting with friends at the Eagles Club where he was an active member.

Preceding Harlin in death were his parents, Guy and Effie Thomas, and son, Jerry.

Harlin is survived by his wife, Lela, of the home; his son, Ray and wife, Debby; grandson, Nathan and wife, Trisha; granddaughter, Dawn; three great-grandchildren – Austin, Dustin and Trenton; two brothers, Hershel Thomas and friend, Marge, and Raymond Thomas and wife, Annie; one sister, Darlene Wanstreet; two sisters-in-law, Doris Murphey and Patty Sammon and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be dearly missed but always cherished in our memories and hearts.

Services began at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Sheldon Chapel, with Rev. Barbara Minton officiating. Interment under the direction of Sheldon Funeral home was in Kidds Chapel Cemetery, Lowry City.

Special music was Cowboys Like Us – George Strait, Silver Wings – Merle Haggard, Redneck Woman – Gretchen Wilson, Snow White Dove – Charlie Pride, In Color – Jamey Johnson and The Last Cowboy – Jamey Johnson.

Casketbearers were – Gary Thomas, Troy Wanstreet, Matthew Wareham, Jeff Buckner, David Connors, Tommy Wareham, Doug Buckner and Justin Thomas.

Honorary casketbearers were - Nathan Thomas, Austin Thomas, Trenton Latta, Dawn Thomas, Dustin Hawkins, Kayla Hooten and Eagles Aerie #4279.