Ricky "Big Rick" Thomas' Obituary
Ricky (Big Rick) Thomas Sr. was born July 30, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Henderson and Louise (Hutchinson) Thomas Sr.
He attended Waterloo East High School class of 1973. He married Susan Hart on November 30, 1974.
Rick worked at John Deere and the University of Northern Iowa as a supervisor for about 30 years; he retired in 2019.
He loved fishing and hunting, and also playing Bid Wiss cards. He was a Dallas Cowboys, Miami Heat, and Chicago Bulls fan.
He was very proud of being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rick passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at UnityPoint Hospital at the age of 69.
He was preceded in death by his parents; paternal and maternal grandparents; three brothers, Thedo Thomas, Ronnie Hutchinson, and Henderson Thomas Jr.; a sister-in-law, Karen Hart Bevly; a nephew, DeAngleo Souza; and a niece, Felicia Carey.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Hart Thomas; two sons, Ricky Jr. and Bobby E. Thomas; two grandsons, Isiah and Xavier Thomas three granddaughters, Taliayh, Alaysia, and Kiera; and a special daughter, Jessica; as well as four sisters, Ruby (Joe) Souza, Elnora Foster, Shelia (James) Russell, and Myrtle Carey; six brothers, Steve (Stephanie) Thomas, Dennis (Janelle) Thomas, Jeffrey (Angelina) Hart, Marty Hart, Rodney (Tiffany) Hart, and Thomas (Helen) Hart Jr.; a mother-in-law, Lucille Hart; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, and many friends.
Memorials may be directed to the family at 609 Greenbrier Road, Waterloo, Iowa 50703.
The Sanders Service
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