Russell "Russ" Raymond Thomas

Mr. Russell "Russ" Raymond Thomas, 88, of Burlington, died at 8:30 p.m. at Great River Medical Center's emergency room. Born August 24, 1922 in West Burlington, he was the son of Joseph and Pearl Niffinigger Thomas. In 1942, he married Babette Morgan and they later divorced. In 1960 he married Janet Preuss Frost. She preceded him in death on March 2, 1995. Mr. Thomas attended West Burlington Schools and was a graduate of Burlington High School and Burlington Community College. He was an Army veteran of World War II, stationed in France and Germany and serving at the rank of sergeant. For 30 years he worked in advertising at the Burlington Gazette (later known as The Hawk Eye). He later became a licensed realtor and appraiser for Coldwell Banker and Great River Realty. Mr. Thomas has been a member of various clubs and organizations including the Burlington Board of Realtors and City of Burlington Planning Commission. He was very active in the Burlington Bee's Baseball Association. He enjoyed sports and sports events. For many years he officiated for football, baseball, softball and basketball games. He enjoyed watching sports on television to discuss with his childre...[more]

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nd grandchildren. His family and friends were very important to him and he enjoyed spending time with them. Survivors include his children, Teresa Gaveletz of Livermore, California, Trudi (Larry) Pierce of Middletown, Tony Thomas of St. Louis, Becky (Gene Conrad) Thomas of Burlington, Rusty (Debbie) Thomas of St. Louis and Terry (Pat) Frost of Omaha, Nebraska; 12 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Babette; his wife, Janet; one son, Scott Thomas; one great granddaughter, Morgan Holtkamp; his parents; and sister, Opal Fry. Friends may call from noon until 6:00 p.m. Friday, November 19th, in Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. The funeral service for Mr. Thomas will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 20th, in Lunning Chapel with the Rev. Michael Orthel officiating. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites. Interment will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery. A memorial has been established for First United Methodist Church.