Don went to his heavenly home on April 30, 2025. Don found his life’s profession at the age of 25 when he started working for the Kansas Department of Corrections. He made this into a 30 year career before retiring in 2007 as the Deputy Warden of the El Dorado Correctional Facility. Don was born on April 11, 1952 (Good Friday) to Clifford Thomas and Edith Anduss Thomas Hutchinson, Kansas. He met the love of his life Nancy Schadler Thomas in Hutchinson, Kansas at Alco. They were married on November 5, 1977, forty seven years ago. They were blessed with three wonderful children, daughter Erika, son Randall and son Dustin, but these wonderful children had to take the back seat when Don and Nancy became grandparents to 11 wonderful, brilliant, and amazing grandchildren. Don loved traveling with his wife Nancy and together they traveled with various friends and he especially loved watching grandchildren in sports, concerts and plays. He also enjoyed watching the Butler Grizzlies play football and basketball and enjoyed family get-togethers.
Don is survived by his wife Nancy of the home, daughter Erika (Jason) VanFleet of Topeka, son Randall Thomas of Whitewater and son Dustin of Kechi. Grandchildren Dylan and Trent Gaskill, Sierra Thomas, Hailey Miller, Lily Thomas, Isabell (Izzy) VanFleet, Laci VanFleet, Logan VanFleet, Bradyn Thomas, Eli Thomas and Riley Thomas. Brother James (Teri) Thomas of Hutchinson, brother in law Frank Howell of Hutchinson, sister in law Kelly Thomas of Wichita, mother in law Doris Schadler-Clark of South Hutchinson, sister in law Melanie Hefton of Hutchinson, sister in law Rhonda (Arley) Philbrick of Hutchinson and brother in law Melvin (Donna) Schadler of Sterling along with many many nieces and nephews, cousins and lot of friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Stacy, brother Richard and sister in law Vicki Thomas, sister Toni Howell, sister Arnette and brother in law Pete Peterman, his twin brother Ron Thomas who was his life long friend and daughter in law Stephanie Thomas.
There will be a celebration of Don’s life on Monday, May 12, 2025 at First Baptist Church in El Dorado, KS at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church.