BERTHAL “BUCKY” THOMAS

AUXVASSE- Berthal “Bucky” Albert Thomas, 66 of Auxvasse, passed away at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday at the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal. Burial will be at Salem Cemetery in Center.

Friends and family are invited to his life celebration at a visitation that will be held from 11 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday at the funeral home.

Bucky was born on October 2, 1953 in Belle Fourche, S.D., to Lacy and May Carman Thomas. He was married on January 18, 1975 in Hannibal, to Sheree Menger of Palmrya.

Survivors include his wife, Sheree, his mother, May Thomas; two daughters: Keisha Thomas-Maze (Gabriel) and Kamey Baker (Johnathan); two brothers: Jim Thomas (Heide) and Danny Thomas (Sue); two sisters: Theresa Egbert (Ron) and Becky Tucker (Ken); one sister-in-law, Levadia Sankpill and 12 grandchildren: Logan Curry, Abigale Curry, Kayana Bruce, Kassidy Maze, Kristhopher Bruce, QwenShaun Smith, Matao Maze, Justice Baker, Crystal Smith, Johnathan Baker, Dustin Kyle Baker and Kaden Baker.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Berthal and Mary Ann Carman, his father, Lacy, and his son, Kyle Dustin Thomas, two sisters, Mary Sheffield and Jean Ann Powell, brothers-in-law, Jim Powell and Bob Sankpill, sister-in-law, Wanda Majors and his mother-in-law and father-in-law.

He was a farmer all his life. He worked with hogs, cattle and crops. His primary focus was in pork production as he managed several operations over his 30+ years in the field. Later in his agricultural career he was an operator at a retail greenhouse, where he became known as the “Geranium Man” because of his particularly beautiful and well cared for geraniums.

Away from work he enjoyed rabbit and deer hunting and especially fishing. He also liked to follow St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Kansas City Chiefs football. Caring for his chickens and spending time with his dogs; Bo the Beagle as his hunting companion, Mister his Afghan hound and especially his favorite German Shepherd, “Koda” were moments that Bucky cherished. “The Andy Griffith Show” was a treasured favorite. Watching old westerns, caring for his assorted houseplants and gardening were a few of his favorites. Those that knew Bucky will smile when remembering his great sense of humor. He loved his family most, he was always so very proud of his children and grandchildren and looked forward to the moments they shared.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Logan Curry, Kristopher Bruce, QwenShaun Smith, Matao Maze, Crystal Smith and Dustin Kyle Baker.

Online condolences may be made and video tribute may be viewed at www.jamesodonnellfuneralhome.com.