Rickie Thomas

Rickie Thomas, 64, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Monday, August 23, 2021, at his home.

The son of Don and Karen (Mann) Thomas, Rickie was born in Kearney, Nebraska on June 8, 1957. He spent most of his early years growing up in Kearney enjoying harassing his twin brothers. After graduating from Kearney High School, he earned a degree in Computer Technology.

Rickie eventually moved to Atlantic, Iowa in the mid 90’s while working for his dad filling vending machines along I-80 near Neola and Underwood. His outgoing personality led him to many other positions in and around the Atlantic area and ultimately a job as a truck driver for numerous businesses. He could have been described as stubborn and stuck in his ways, but he was always easy to talk to.

He was the father of eight children, raising five in Atlantic as a single parent. Rickie delighted spending time with his kids, but especially enjoyed taking them on camping and fishing trips as well as barbequing hot dogs and cooking s’mores over an open camp fire. On his own time, he enjoyed gathering with friends at the Fireside Lounge or in Marne playing Texas Hold ‘Em and tipping back a cold Budweiser. Rickie had a large collection of beer steins. He cherished time relaxing with his dog, Tucker.

Rickie is survived by his children, Tedd (Lindsey) Thomas, Tonya Metheny, Misty Amdor, David Thomas, Robin (Jeremy) Kessler, Talon (Cody) Buckley, Jamie Smith, and Brandy Smith; grandchildren, Tyler, Charisma, Paige, Rhonda, Colin, Christine, Toby, Connor, Syrus, Leiah, Travin, Dayton, Sunshine, Brooklyn and Jacob; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Randy (Nancy) Thomas and Ronnie (Bobbie) Thomas; sister-in-law, Sandy Thomas; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and his faithful companion, Tucker.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Karen Thomas; sister, Rhonda Jessen; brother, Rodney Thomas; and former spouse, Deb (Misner) Thomas.

Visitation with family present will be held Friday, August 27th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Immediately following the visitation family and friends will process to St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery west of Exira for a Celebration of Life graveside service.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Rickie’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Rickie Thomas
June 8, 1957 - August 23, 2021
At the age of 64 years, 2 months & 15 days

CELEBRATION OF LIFE VISITATION
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 27, 2021
Roland Funeral Service - Atlantic, Iowa

CELEBRATION OF LIFE GRAVESIDE
Immediately following the visitation
St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery - west of Exira, Iowa

RECORDED MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“What’s New Pussy Cat” by Tom Jones
“The Old Rugged Cross” by Alan Jackson
“I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS - Grandchildren
Tyler Thomas
Charisma Burg
Paige Carrier
Rhonda Dubial
Colin Burg
Christine Thomas
Toby Thomas
Connor Burg
Syrus Kessler
Leiah Thomas
Travin Thomas
Dayton Thomas
Sunshine Kessler
Brooklyn Thomas
Jacob Thomas

Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.