Roll Call Tribute

Richard Stephen Thomas, “Rick”, 60, of Amarillo, TX passed away peacefully on April 19, 2020 after battling Parkinson’s and Dementia.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.

Rick was born in Pawhuska, OK on April 5, 1960 to Elizabeth “Liz” and Richard “Dick” Thomas. He spent his first five years in Bryan, TX. Upon moving to Amarillo, in the second grade, Rick attended Coronado Elementary School. He then attended Austin Middle School where he excelled in sports and music. Rick received the Danforth Award his ninth-grade year. He attended Tascosa High School. While at Tascosa, he was Mr. THS, on the yearbook staff, played football, ran track, and sang in both the advanced choir and the show choir. He was also part of student council, and due to the influence he made on his fellow students, was voted Class Favorite his Junior year. Rick participated in each of these activities while managing to keep good grades in his schoolwork. Rick loved to sing and took voice lessons from Mary Jane Johnson. With Rick’s unselfish heart, he managed to talk his mother into hosting a high school foreign exchange student from Brazil named Carlos, who has continued to be a dear friend to Rick for over 40 years. Rick graduated from Tascosa in 1978 and accepted a full track scholarship to Texas A&M University. While at Texas A&M, he also participated in many campus organizations. He loved Aggie football and bled maroon and white. Rick graduated from Texas A&M University in 1982 with honors with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was named All-American and was the outstanding track athlete in 1981.

Upon graduation from Texas A&M, Rick moved to Dallas, TX where he practiced accounting and soon became a partner in the accounting firm of Salmon, Sims, and Thomas LLP. His specialty was auditing and marketing throughout the United States. He retired from Salmon, Sims, and Thomas LLP in 2015.

Rick cherished the time he spent with his daughter, Jessie Thomas Cramer (Bob), and son, Kurt Thomas. Despite his work schedule, Rick managed to be a Boy Scout leader, coach, church youth group leader, and was a great supporter of all activities his children participated in.

Rick was on the State Board of the Presbyterian Children’s Homes, a member of Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, TX, Amarillo South Rotary Club, and was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Amarillo. He was known to help clean the church, attend ski trips, and loved to serve others. Rick sang in the choir at Westminster until his disease would no longer allow him to. While in Carrollton, Texas Rick served as an Elder and Trustee at Nor’Kirk Presbyterian Church.

Rick enjoyed spending time outdoors, doing such hobbies as running, hiking, golfing, and skiing. He had a love for travel and enjoyed new and exciting places. Rick was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and the Texas Rangers fan and attended games often. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and supported other missions through charity races and activities.

Upon retirement from Salmon, Sims, and Thomas LLP, Rick moved back to Amarillo where he met and married the love of his life, Anne Jones, on April 29, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The two enjoyed playing golf, attending the Symphony, Amarillo Ballet, Amarillo Little Theater, and supported additional events in Amarillo.

Rick was a fighter until the end and his memory will be cherished forever. As his son said, he will be singing in the Heavenly Chorus always.

Rick was preceded in death by his grandparents, and his parents, Dick and Liz Thomas.

Survivors include his wife, Anne Thomas, of the home; daughter, Jessie Thomas Cramer (Bob), of Carrollton, TX; son, Kurt Thomas, of Plano, TX; older brothers, Mike Thomas (Carol), of Lake Tanglewood, TX, and Dave Thomas (Jennifer), of Albuquerque, NM; younger sister, Heather Thomas, of Richardson, TX; stepfather, Mel Melinsky, and his children, Adair Buckner (Dale), Denise Melinsky (Roderick Ram), and Kent Melinsky (Ruie); one precious granddaughter, Caleigh Mae Cramer; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family appreciates all the love and support that has been shown by so many during Rick’s illness, especially “the Sisters” of the Xi Iota Pi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.

Donations can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the Southwest Parkinson’s Society (swparkinsons.org) in Rick’s name.


©Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors