Alfred Alvis Thomas, 77, of Wasola, Mo., passed to heaven on Oct. 31, 2011 while working on his farm near Nottinghill. He was born on July 26, 1934 in Wilhoit, Mo., the son of James Kelly and Nancy Genevra (Harley) Thomas.
Alvis was a graduate of Gainesville High School. He was united in marriage to Dolly Turner on Sept. 25, 1954 in Gainesville, Mo. Alvis was drafted into the United States Army, and was given an honorable discharge to come home to be with his wife after the miscarriage of their first child, Debra Ann. Alvis went to work for the Ozark County Road & Bridge Department and retired after 20+ years as crew foreman. He was an avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish, camp and ride horses. He was a true country boy.
Alvis was also an established carpenter. He built many of the structures that remain on the family farm, including the family home. He was a quiet and gentle man who was always quick with a smile. As his son-in-law stated: “He was a wonderful example of what a man should be.” Alvis was a Christian. He was a member and elder at the Pine Ridge Church of Christ.
Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Dolly, of the home; one son, Steve Thomas and wife Sheila, of Wasola, Mo.; three daughters, Sheila Hash and husband Dan, of Seymour, Mo., Rita Terrill and husband, Rick of Harrison, Ark., and Phyllis Lemons and husband, Kevin, of Wasola, Mo.; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Gay Burke, of Raymore, Mo.; one brother, Alvin Thomas, of Wasola, Mo.; and many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Nancy Thomas; one infant daughter, Debra Ann; brothers, Archie and Alton; and sisters, Elva, Elsa, Bernice, Stella, Lena and Bonnie.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home Chapel, Gainesville, Mo., with E.J. Hampton and Harlin Howerton officiating. Interment will be in the Franklin Grove Cemetery near Romance, Mo.
Visitation will be Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin Grove Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.
