Terry Thomas

Terry Thomas, 71, of Springfield, Mo., passed away Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at Mercy Hospital. He was born on July 26, 1950, to Martha Jean Thomas and Ernest C. Thomas in Helena.

Terry grew up in Caruthersville, Mo., and graduated from Arkansas State University in 1972. He moved to Springfield in 1974 and opened Thomas Brothers Office Furnishings with his brother Tom, eventually owning and operating the business with two of his sons, Justin and Kyle, before closing after 46 years serving the Southwest Missouri area.

Terry married the love of his life, Peggy, in 1975 and they raised four boys, Justin, Kyle, Reid and Griffin. Terry grew up in the Presbyterian Church and became a member and deacon of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church of Springfield. He was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers fan and loved coaching his sons baseball teams, which he did for 17 years. Terry was his sons biggest fan for 24 years of all their various games, teams, and accomplishments.

Terry was known and will always be remembered for his lighthearted sense of humor, infectious laughter and loving nature.

Terry is survived by his wife Peggy; his sons, Justin, Kyle (Rachel), Griffin, Springfield, Mo., and Reid (Lainie) Denver, Colo.; grandsons, Campbell, Springfield, Mo., and Crosby and Porter, Denver, Colo.; nephews, Lonnie Shelton, Springfield, Mo., Jack Thomas (Jamie), Pittsburgh, Penn.; niece, Marianne Compiani (Steve), Monument, Colo.; and their mom, Dee Thomas, Greer, S.C.

Terry was preceded in death by his mom and dad; his brother Tom; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Searles, Caruthersville, Mo., and Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Thomas from Wappappello, Mo.

Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, Mo. Terry was a lung transplant recipient and advocate for organ donation. In the nearly seven years after his transplant Terry showed courage, unyielding optimism, hope and faith. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association.