Richard Lee Thomas, 86, of Burchard, Nebraska, passed away on May 15, 2025. Born at home in Pawnee County on August 29, 1938 to Clarence and Gladys Thomas, Rich was a man of intelligence, imagination, and heart. With a charismatic presence and a gift for words, he had an uncanny ability to make others feel welcomed, heard, and valued. He attended Bookwalter Country School and graduated from Summerfield High School.

A lifelong farmer, builder, and entrepreneur, Rich poured creativity and hard work into every endeavor—from cultivating land and crafting with wood, to launching new businesses and dreaming up big ideas. He earned his pilot's license, served honorably in the U.S. Army, and remained an active member of the Liberty Legion Post in Liberty, Nebraska. He also gave back to his community by coaching softball.

Rich owned and operated several businesses throughout Nebraska and Kansas, including Beaner's Bar in Burchard, The General Store in Summerfield, KS, Thomas Elevators in Wymore, NE, The Walnut Inn in Summerfield, and Tanfanstic Tips and Toes in Beatrice, NE. In 1964, Rich married Virginia Ziegler, and they had four children together: Michael, Mark, Amy, and Jeff. He later married Judy Joyce and after her passing in 1997, he went on to marry Galina. Rich married his lifelong best friend, Pepper, in 2012.

He is survived by his wife Pepper of Burchard, NE; his sister Betty Weber of Grand Junction, CO, son Mark Thomas (Sherri) of Beatrice, NE; daughter Amy Thomas of Beatrice, NE; son Jeff Thomas of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren: Angel Thomas of Beatrice, NE; Paul Thomas of Beatrice, NE; Dustin Thomas (Patia) of Lincoln, NE; Courtney Thomas of Omaha, NE; Brandon Thomas (Victoria) of Beatrice, NE. He is also survived by stepchildren Jane, Billy, Kelly, Tonya, Rylan, Tyler, and Kyle; step-grandchildren Tammie, Stephanie, and Kyleer; great-grandchildren: Kaiden, Caleb, Wesley, Logan, Emma, Ava, Leo, and Greyson.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Gladys Thomas; brother, Chuck Thomas; son, Michael Thomas; daughter-in-law, Ronnie Thomas; nephew, Scott Thomas; granddaughter, Michelle Thomas; and great-grandson, Jordan White.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Wherry Mortuary in Pawnee City, Nebraska with Dennis Agajanian officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Wherry Mortuary Facebook page for those unable to attend. A link to the livestream will also be available after the service.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the Wherry Mortuary in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the family's choice.

Interment will be in the Summerfield Cemetery in Summerfield, Kansas.