Richard "Dick" Thoma's Obituary
On 11 December 2016, Richard “Dick” Thoma went to be with our Lord and Savior.
Dick was born on 3 June 1940 in Hartford WI. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1959 and married the former Faye Ann Hensen, on 25 June 1960. In 1979 Dick retired from active military service, moved his family to Roy, WA and started his wood carving business, “Woods of Roy”. Dick and Faye eventually settled in their current home in Yelm WA in 1994 where they had recently been dividing their seasonal time between WA and AZ.
Dick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many. He was a man of great honor, integrity and faith. He was a 20 year veteran of the US Army, serving two combat tours in Vietnam, and holding both non-commissioned (101st Airborne) and commissioned status (Aviation). His service awards/citations include but were not limited to: Bronze Star, Air Medal w/ V Device, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Aviation Badge and Senior Parachutist Badge. Dick was a role model and hero, who inspired each of his sons to serve their country within the United States Army, Marine Corps and Air Force. Dick’s signs and craftsmanship can still be seen displayed at many businesses and homes throughout the local community and region, as well as adorning the walls of many military members across the globe.
Dick is survived by his wife, friend and soulmate of 56 years, Faye; their four children: Brian and his wife Theresa, Alan and his wife Theresa, Todd and his wife Dominique, and Adana and her husband John; nine grandchildren: Amber, April, Autumn, Branden and his wife Riley, Ryan and his wife Jenice, Nina and her husband Kyle, Erik, Amanda, and Tyler; and six great grandchildren: Mason, Niyah, Todd, Hunter, Jase, and Ember.
The Catholic Mass and Celebration of Life Reception for Dick will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, 20 January 2017 at St. Columban Catholic Church, 506 1st St. S., Yelm, WA. Dick will be laid to rest with military honors in the Garden of Honor, Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, on 21 January 2017 as part of a separate private ceremony.
The family would like to extend our appreciation for the many prayers and support already received and request that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in lieu of flowers.
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