Rodney Ralph Thomas

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Rodney Ralph Thomas

Fri, 03/27/2020 - 01:58
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Rodney Ralph Thomas, 71, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away at the Northcare Hospice House on March 9, 2020. He battled brain cancer for a number of years and is finally at peace with our Lord.

Rodney was born Jan. 4, 1949, in Sedalia, Missouri. He was the oldest son of Ralph and Darlene (Oehrke) Thomas.

He was united in marriage to Melanie (Belknap) in 1986. They made their home together in Kearney for the past 31 years.

In 1966, Rodney graduated from Smithton High School, where he received awards for his athletic abilities in softball, basketball and track. Following high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar. He then taught physical education and coached at Wheatland High School for two years. Rodney earned his doctorate degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in 1979. He went on to practice in Excelsior Springs for 23 years. After retiring from his chiropractic business, he became a builder and developer in the Kansas City area.

One of Rodney’s greatest joys was getting together with everyone at the family farm. Reminiscing about the good old days with his brothers was a highlight of the visits. His passion for baseball continued throughout his life. He was an avid Royals fan and delighted in attending their games with his friends. However, nothing could compare to the time he spent with his beloved granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandparents, aunts and niece.

Survivors include his wife, Melanie; daughter, Teasha (Victor) Vargas; son, Brett; granddaughters, Reece and Laven Vargas; parents, Ralph and Darlene; three brothers, Karis (Mary Ann), Dwayne (Tina) and Chris; niece, Erin; nephews, Zac (Jodi) and Trent (Tera); and sister-in-law, Debby (Nick) Houk. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of Rodney’s life will be held with his family at a future date.

Arrangements: Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, MO 816-628-4411.