Noel William Thomas

Noel William Thomas, Marshfield, was born October 25, 1930 to Lee and Norma (Fraker) Thomas. He departed this life on Thursday, March 29, 2018 in the Marshfield Care Center at the age of 87.

Noel grew up in Marshfield and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1948.  While in school he was active in FFA, basketball and was student body president.  From 1951 to 1953, he served in the Korean War in the United States Army.

On March 14, 1959, he was married to the love of his life, Jean Arthur Thomas.  From that day they became Noel and Jean and were always together.  To this union four children were born, and Bedford Street became a hub for lots of fun and activity.

A lifelong businessman, Noel first co-owned and operated a Conoco Service station on the square.  He then relocated the business to Young’s Conoco Service station on the Spur, and was there until his retirement in 1998.  His love of the Marshfield community was evident through his service and the relationships he built. Throughout his career, he was a volunteer firefighter, served three terms on the Board of Education for Marshfield R-1 Schools, an active member of the American Legion, and a Mason with the Marshfield Masonic Lodge.  In 2004, he was honored by the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce with the Lifetime Achievement in Business Award.

He was an active, life-long member of the Marshfield United Methodist Church, and served as head usher for over 25 years.

Noel was an avid sports fan.  He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Missouri State Bears, Marshfield Blue Jays, and Springfield Mavs.  He loved to go to a game, or have one on the radio or TV at all times.  He also spent many years coaching little league teams for MAB, and running the clock for MHS football and basketball games.

In his retirement, he found a special place to spend his mornings.  Sheila’s Café became part of his daily breakfast routine, and Saturday morning with the guys was a weekly highlight.  Special thanks to Tammy and Sheila’s staff for keeping the coffee cup full and the pie homemade.Above all else, Noel was a family man.  He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and “Papa.”  He always put his family first, and was a true servant-leader.  He will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean Thomas; and his sister and brother-in-law, Melva June and Wilbur Owen.

He is survived by three sons and their wives, Brent and Debbie Thomas, Springfield, MO, Craig and Leslie Thomas, Marshfield, MO, and Alan and Heidi Thomas, Marshfield, MO; one daughter and her husband, Denise and Lance Kettering, Springfield, MO; nine grandchildren, Evan Thomas and Jillian Burrows, William Thomas and Alannah, Allie Thomas, Sammy Thomas, Jared Thomas, Tyler Thomas, Charlie Thomas, Brooks Kettering, and Mollie Thomas; and one great-granddaughter, Channing; plus several nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Noel Thomas will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018 in the Marshfield United Methodist Church under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., with interment following in Marshfield Cemetery.Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Monday, April 2 at the Marshfield United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marshfield United Methodist Church or Marshfield Public School Foundation in care of Fraker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 85, Marshfield, MO 65706.