Richard Ray Thomas, age 80 of Bloomington, MN, formerly of Burnsville, MN, passed away peacefully at home October 3, 2015. Retired in 2000 from Independent School District 196. Preceded in death by parents, Leonard Thomas and Viola King; twin sister, Norma Schehrer, and former wife, Marilynn Thomas. Survived by wife, Rosemary Rossow Thomas; children/step-children, William (Melanie) Thomas, Paula (Mark) Lindquist, Michele (Bob) Karas, Aimee Miller, James (Karen) Miller, Dan (Chrissy) Rossow, Steve (Heather) Rossow; beloved grandchildren, Ben, Bethany, Breanna, Claire, Will, Madison, Shale, Jade, Cole, Jacob, and John; and special niece, Lisa Araque; also by other loving family and many dear friends. Celebration of life service at 1:30 PM, Sunday, October 11, 2015 at CrossPoint Church, 9801 France Avenue S., Bloomington, MN with refreshments and a time for sharing to follow the service. Private family interment. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to, All In All the Time Foundation, https://aiatt.org/donate, indicating either Operation Hawkeye or Richard Thomas or charity of donor’s choice.

Dick was a follower of Jesus and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was full of wisdom and discernment, loving others beyond measure. Dick always wore a smile on his face with a joke up his sleeve. He did not dwell on his illness, sharing his suffering only when others would ask. He was an inspiration to all who called him a friend. Dick loved music and sports. The old time hymns were his favorites. A 1957 graduate of Grinnell College, he majored in psychology and lettered in wrestling, track and football. He loved sharing his passion of these sports with his son and grandchildren.