Vernon L. “Rick” Thomas, 73, of Festus died Dec. 13, 2021, in Festus. Mr. Thomas served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earningmany decorations including a Bronze Star. He later transferred to the Missouri National Guard and served 20 years including 14 years withn the Color Guard until his retirement. He was also a flooring installer for Smitty’s Home Decorating and Hopkins Carpet. Born Oct. 5, 1948, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Betty L. (Dawd) Thomas.
He is survived by his wife: Sharon (Lang) Thomas of Victoria; four children: Robert (Shery) Lang of Potosi, Sherry Shuthers of Victoria, James Meadows of Van Buren and Dave Meadows of Saffell, Ark.; a sister: Christy Nieman of De Soto; two brothers: Tracy Thomas of Tennessee and Mark Thomas of St. Louis County; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Troy Thomas, Dennis Thomas and Todd Thomas.
Visitation is scheduled from 5 p.m. until a funeral service at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., in De Soto, officiated by the Rev. Terry Crank. A graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21 in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.