Richard Stephen Thomas, “Rick”

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.

20 Replies to “Richard Stephen Thomas, “Rick””

  1. We found out of Rick’s passing today. My wife, Angela, and I express our deepest condolences for your loss. Rick was our audit manager at Salmon Beach & Company, which became Salmon Sims Thomas, where we met from 1996-2003. He was a great man and great boss. We both remember his great attitude, fun-filled spirit and he will forever be in our memories. We pray for the family as you continue to adjust.

  2. I know this is late, but did not know of Rick’s passing. I was a coach at Austin when Rick went through there. If all students/athletes were like Rick, everyone in the world would want to teach and coach. He was a bright light in this world, and had a smile for everyone. He squeezed so much life into his short number of years. A life well-lived. God Bless.
    Don E. Williams

  3. Rick was a good friend in college. We both ran hurdles, although he worked a lot harder at it than I did (and it showed). In fact, I think I’m sitting next to him in every one of our team photos. He and Jim Howard and I were room mates my last year there. He was a delight to be around. Always pleasant; never cross. I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing. I will remember him fondly.

  4. My sincere condolences to all of Rick’s family and friends. Rick was a teammate on the Texas A&M Track Team. We ran the same event, the 400 hurdles. I was an injured, washed up senior when Rick was a freshman. The last time I remember seeing Rick was at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles when we ran into each other crossing the street from the Olympic Stadium after watching a track and field session. As usual Rick was smiling broadly and laughing easily as we exchanged what had been going on in our lives in the previous 5 years. Rick was genuine, sincere, and dedicated. This world lost a gem, but heaven gained one.

  5. Will always remember Rick as a good guy. Akways a smile and so accomplished! Rest peacefully young man. The world is better place because of your contibutions.

  6. My thoughts and prayers are with Anne and family. Rick was always a sweet person.

  7. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Rick’s family and friends. I prayer for strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. I am sure Rick is at peace now and enjoying his time with God in heaven.

  8. Dear Anne

    It was such an honor and privilege to have been among Rick’s friends throughout high school and most especially while going to A&M. He was so modest and unassuming with a terrific sense of humor!

    He will be missed.

    I pray that you and your family can find comfort in knowing that Rick is home and getting things ready for the ultimate class reunion.

    Take care,

    Gib Searight

  9. I grew up with Rick in the church and also going to Tascosa High School with him. His father was our preacher at Westminster Presbyterian church. Such nice people. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  10. Oh Friend-such a special guy! We had some fun times together. I am so glad we got to be Mr. and Miss Tascosa High together. Also, I am so excited for you to be reunited with your Mom and Dad. My thoughts are with your children and wife. This world has definitely been a better place with you in it. Your friend, Kay Greenroyd Stull

  11. So sorry we are still here, as Rick is celebrating in Heaven!! I have been blessed by both of you! God is Good!!

  12. Love you Anne! It is so hard to let go a loved one. Glad to have had the time with you two that I did! Happy memories

  13. Dear Anne and Family

    My heart goes out to you in this time of loss. Thank you for loving my classmate and friend.

    Softly call the muster,
    Let comrade answer, “Here!”
    Their spirits hover ‘round us:
    As if to bring us cheer!
    Mark them “present” in our hearts,
    We’ll meet some other day.
    There is no Death, but Life Eterne
    For heroes such as they!

    The Lord bless you and keep you.

  14. Anne, I pray your grief will soon give way to all the beautiful memories and fun times you shared. May the Lord bless and comfort you, my friend.

  15. It was wonderful to meet Rick in 2017 and see how many people loved and cared for him and Anne. Aggie to the core- we know he will still be rooting for his team come football season.
    Our prayers go out to his family, his friends, his granddaughter and his wife, Anne.

  16. A beautiful tribute to an amazing man.
    He will be missed by all who new and loved him.
    Anne our prayers are with you and your family.

  17. Thoughts and prayers are with Anne and the family. RIP Rick, you deserve it 🙏🏼🙏🏼😢💕

  18. God be with Anne and family, He fought a good fight and now is in the loving arms of Jesus. Prayers for them all.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *