Ridgeway, MO: In the small hours of the morning on August 7th, 2024 William Keith Thomas, Jr. took his final breath. Bill succumbed to the aftereffects of a stroke that had occurred more than two years prior.
Bill was born to William “Keith” & Ileen (Maple) Thomas on March 6, 1943. He graduated from Cainsville High School in 1961 and went to the University of Missouri-Columbia. There, he acquired a Masters Degree…and a wife. He married Virginia (Stahl) Thomas in 1966. While establishing himself in his chosen field of meat science they lived in Lewis County, Columbia, and St. Joseph, expanding their family in each location. They finally settled in Ridgeway, MO with the purchase of a business in 1974 that would become the Ridgeway Freezer, Inc., it then became Thomas Farm Quality Meats.
Bill and Virginia had three children Dan, Chris, and Sara, all of whom graduated from Ridgeway High School. His children, and the subsequent grandchildren, were a primary focus for this family man. Bill was a playful parent, uncle, and grandpa, he frequently made time for them all and found a way to have fun with them while still imparting his beliefs, values, and work ethic.
In addition to being devoted to his family, Bill also dedicated his time, effort, and energy to the things he believed in. He was a member of the Ridgeway Baptist Church where he used his Mr. Fix-it abilities to keep the building in good working order. He was an active member of the Missouri Association of Meat Processors, becoming involved in leadership, and attending conventions (and winning awards). Eventually, he became President of that association and was voted into its Hall of Fame.
Bill is reunited in heaven with his parents, Keith and Ileen, his brother Alan, his grandparents Arthur & Marie Thomas, Harley & Cora Maple, and his in-laws Joe & Doris Stahl. Additionally, his Uncle Bob & Aunt Kathleen (Maple) Clegg, Uncle Kenny & Aunt Joanna (Maple) Bondourant, Uncle Jack & Aunt Elaine (Maple) Graham, and Uncle Stanley & Aunt Margaret Maple have gone on before him. His Uncle Dean Thomas, Uncle Wayne & Aunt Dorothy Thomas, his Aunt Jeanne (Thomas) Ward, and his brother-in-law, David Stahl, and nephew Mark Stahl will all have greetings for him in the great beyond.
He leaves behind an adoring family consisting of his wife of 57 years, Virginia, who remained steadfast, loyal, and loving throughout their time together, including his final years at the Daviess County Nursing Home. His children also mourn his loss, including his oldest son, Dan, and his ex-wife Jodi (Snead), along with his four daughters Grace, Rose (Morgan) Wallace, Penelope (Caleb) Wallace, and Leah. Bill’s middle child, Chris along with his son, Jackson, will always feel Bill’s influence in their everyday lives. His youngest child, and only daughter, Sara, along with her husband Shannon Smith, and their children Cora and Connor have a place in their hearts that belongs only to Bill.
His siblings knew Bill the longest and have memories of him from childhood that they prize. Bill was the oldest, and as such he had an elevated status in their hearts, setting an example of moral character for them to follow. His sister, Sandi married Allen Putnam and had two children, Amy and Ruth, the Putnam family lives in Minnesota. The youngest was David, he married Dianne (Hawkins) and had two girls, Elissa and Whitney.
Bill was a fantastic in-law, his other surviving sister-in-law, Barbara (Stanley) Stahl can attest to his cheerful and ready attitude. He is also survived by nieces, and a nephew, each of which will have their own Uncle Bill stories to tell. His cousins, like his siblings, can add their own recollections from their childhoods along with tender thoughts about the man that he was.
Bill seemed to have a deep well of patience for his family and his employees, teaching them skills that they needed to know. He mentored many young men in this way through the locker and church.
His family and faithful friends have many fond memories of Bill and the lessons he taught them. While they deeply feel his loss, those who loved him rejoice that he is now whole and at peace, walking and talking with his Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday August 12, at Ridgeway Baptist Church, Ridgeway, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Inurnment will be at a later date in Rose Hill Cemetery, Ridgeway, MO. The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the church. Memorials may be made to Daviess County Nursing and Rehab and/or Ridgeway Baptist Church in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. box 46, Bethany, MO 64424.