James Richard Thomas, 71, of Columbia, passed away at 3:55 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Parkside Manor.

Funeral services were at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, at Schlanker Funeral Home with Rev. Rosemary Camp officiated. Burial was in Montgomery City Cemetery.

Visitation is Friday from noon until time of the service at the funeral home.

Richard was born September 2, 1946 in Montgomery City, the son of John Pearl and Della Mae (Clark) Thomas Sr.

He attended Montgomery County Schools and had worked for Farmland and Cardinals Company, both in Topeka, Kansas. He was a Methodist by faith and loved to play pool.

Survivors include one son, Travis Berry of Columbia; three daughters, Ardine Jennings, Elonda "Chelle" Berry, and Keyina Berry, all of Columbia; seven grandchildren, LaTia Berry of Kansas City, Corey Owens, Markeese Owens, J'Iona Flemming, and J'Leeyah Flemming, all of Columbia, Lanaisha Kemp of Kansas City, and Timothy Lawson of Mexico; special friend, Pamela Berry of Columbia; five brothers, Warren (Darlene) Thomas of Topeka, KS, Leslie Thomas of Columbia, Frankie (Phyllis) Thomas of Columbia, Jerry Thomas of Texas, and Floyd (Monica) Thomas of Columbia; four sisters, Brenda Thomas of Columbia, Pauline Marteen of Montgomery City, Pansy (Junior) Camp of Columbia, and Theresa (Buzz) Hickman of Quincy, IL; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends, including Robert Mahaney of Columbia and Charles Mahaney of Montgomery City.

Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, John Pearl and Della Mae Thomas Sr., three brothers, Lawrence Thomas, Roger Thomas, and John Pearl Thomas Jr.; and one sister, Frances Thomas.