Brother Ricky Leon Thomas was born on February 2, 1963, in Neosho, Missouri, and took his final breath in the arms of Sandra, his loving wife of 45 years, on the morning of October 24, 2026.

Above all, Rick was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud papa, and a faithful pastor. He poured his heart into each of these roles.

He was also a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, a man of many talents, and someone who lived with a servant’s heart. His unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life and was evident in the way he loved, served, and cared for others.

Rick accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1976, between his seventh- and eighth-grade years. He went on to faithfully serve as a pastor for more than three decades, ministering to congregations in Mound Valley, Kansas; Wyandotte, Oklahoma; and Zena, Oklahoma. His ministry extended far beyond the church walls, as he spent his life sharing God’s love through words, spoken and sung, and his actions.

Rick was truly a jack of all trades. He was a mechanic, entrepreneur, builder, painter, storyteller, and even an actor. Known to some as “Ramblin’ Rick,” he had a gift for bringing people together. Whether organizing car shows, church banquets, men’s retreats, or senior trips, singing in nursing homes, cooking at church camp, or helping those in need, Rick was always finding ways to serve others. He also proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and Army National Guard.

Rick worked hard to provide for his family and if he had a fault, it was that he simply didn’t know how to tell anyone no. His heart was big, his hands were rarely still, and his love for people was genuine.

Of all his accomplishments, Rick’s greatest joy was his family and his faith. He had the blessing of leading his son and daughter to Christ and baptizing his children, their spouses, and all five of his grandchildren, along with countless others throughout his ministry.

Rick leaves behind his loving wife, Sandra, of the home; his son, Chris Thomas, and wife, Cindy, and their children, Grace, Isaiah, Judith, and Charli; his daughter, Jenny, and husband, Mark, and their daughter, Haedyn; his sister, Tina, and husband, Paul; and his brother, Michael, and wife, Shawn. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Evelyn.

To Rick, no one was truly a stranger. Everyone he met was either a brother or sister in Christ or someone who had the potential to become one.

Above all, Rick would want you to know that he was not a perfect man, but he served a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. His greatest desire would be for others to know that same Savior so they too would have the promise of eternal life.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Worley Luginbuel Funeral Chapel in Grove, OK. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, October 30, 206 at the Grand Lake Baptist Assembly Campgrounds, 25300 S 650 Rd, Grove, OK 74344. Interment will follow at Thomas Family Cemetery in Anderson, MO.