Herbert Leon Thomas

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Obituary

Herbert Leon Thomas

93, a resident of Centerton, passed away Thursday, November 25, 2021 at his home he was 41 days short of 94yrs. He was born January 5, 1928 in Hartman, Arkansas, the son of John Elmer and May Arnetta (Campbell) Thomas.

Herb retired from the University of Arkansas physical plant. In Herb's life he was an Army Veteran, Truck Driver, Gardner and various other occupations; but Daddy and Granddad was his most rewarding.

He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Bobby, Heartsill and George; two sisters, Virginia East and Hazel Morris.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Thomas; one daughter, Angie Ritch and husband Ricky; grandchildren, Mary Annabelle Ritch and Ricky Ashton Ritch; one sister Lucille Bennett and husband John.

The family will receive friends Sunday, November 28, 2021, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Graveside Service will be held 2:00 PM Monday, November 29th, 2021, at Baptist Ford Cemetery in Greenland, Arkansas.

Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice.

Online guest book, www.luginbuel.com.

Funeral Service

Monday, November 29, 2021
2:00 pm

Baptist Ford Cemetery - Greenland, Arkansas

Visitation

Sunday, November 28, 2021
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Luginbuel Funeral Home - 115 N Neal St - Prairie Grove, Arkansas

Final Resting Place

Baptist Ford Cemetery

General

Date of Birth: Jan 5, 1928

Date of Death: Nov 25, 2021

Age: 93

Documents

Herbert Leon Thomas Memorial Folder

Tributes

Make a Tribute!

Mary and Angie my heart goes out to both of you during this trying time. Herb as we all say was one of 'the good guys'. Herb was always pleasant to be around and I will miss him greatly at family gatherings.

Joe Crawford - Cousin to Mary

Dear Mary and Angie, You are our family. Herb did a great job of raising Mark to the Arkansas ways. We’re been with you forever. Our kids grew up together at your wonderful farm. 4th of July was so perfect with fireworks at the farm with the kids wearing goggles to protect their eyes ?? We enjoyed all of the most wonderful food that Mary cooked! If only I was a tenth of a cook as Mary I would be happy! I could spend all the day writing about what the Thomas family means to us. Much love???? Mark and Betty

Mark and Betty - Friends (like family)

The ????’s We’re supposed to be !!!! Don’t know how to change them…

Mark and Betty - Family????

Mary and family. I was sad to see your husband passed away. May God give you comfort during the following days. Karen Burns

Karen Burns - Friend

Herb and I met my first year working at the U of A back in 1978. I had joined the Speech and Drama Department as their production manager. And it had been a long standing tradition that the Drama Department would be responsible for decorating the stage for University commencement. Herb, as Special Events Foreman, was in charge of the overall arena set-up. Thus, we worked together to make that very important event happen. Herb was meticulous, demanding and very effective in all that he did; a pleasure to work with. We became friends!! Visited on campus and, several times, at our homes. Mary Thomas and my wife Mary became friends. I treasure our friendship. He will be missed by many people! My sincere condolences to Mary, Angela and all the rest. Herb, May you rest in peace.

Andrew - Friend

We were so sorry to hear about Uncle Herb! He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and Angie and family. Love, Steve & Tracy

Steve & Tracy East - Nephew & Spouse

Angie, Mary, and family, We are so sorry to see you have lost Herbert. Russ remembers him with his dad when he was a kid and we know how close y'all were. Our hearts hurt for you. Take care and hang onto those prescious memories. with love, Joene and Russ Ray

Russ and Joene Ray - friends

I will always remember Herb as knowing about everything mechanical and knowledgeable about so many other things too. He was one of the hardest working people I ever met and the huge garden that he and Mary made every year was the best!! I remember so many good times at their house, both at Owl Hollow and Centerton. The delicious wine that he made and was so generous to give away in great quantities was heavenly. I always thought he could make wine out of old tennis shoes and it would be just as good. My deepest condolences to Mary and family for your sad loss. Sincere wishes to you to be comforted by the years of loving memories he left behind. Love, Mary

Mary Vogt - Sister to Mary Alice "by another mother"

Being able to share life with Herb is both a pleasure and an adventure. I always looked forward to all of his stories and remember all of the laughs we would share. Talk about adventures, he lived so many of them, like delivering cattle to Nova Scotia from, I think, Wyoming. I never tired of his stories and always learned from them. I will so miss being able visit my best friend. But, the memories we made together will always stay with me.

Charles Vogt - Friend

My heart goes out to Mary, Angie, Annabelle, Ashton, and Ricky. Herb Thomas is one of my heroes. Herb was a man who could build a barn, make a great long-lasting cattle fence, drive a tractor, handle cattle, care for the most beautiful vegetable garden I have seen, and much more. Herb and Mary were always hospitable. I enjoyed having lunch with Herb and Mary so many times, and sitting with Herb and drinking Cokes with a bit of Jack Daniels whiskey, or attending one of their great parties at the farm. Grateful for the life of Herb Thomas.

Don Steinkraus - Friend