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Duane Thomas of Farmington, Missouri

FARMINGTON - Duane Thomas, of Farmington, Missouri, passed away July 23, 2019 at Presbyterian Manor, at the age of 89. He was born at Flat River, Missouri on Aug. 30, 1929 to the late Harry and Selma (Meyer) Thomas.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Smith; granddaughter, Kelli Grantham and grandson, Craig Thomas.

Duane graduated in 1949 from Farmington High School, where he was a standout on the football team. In 1951 he married the love of his life, Nadine Detring and they raised their family in Farmington. For many years Duane owned and operated a concrete and plastering business in the area.

His trademark on every job he did was imprinting a cross over the front door. This was done to show that a Christian worked on the house.

A lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Duane served as an elder and a trustee and also sang in the choir. He was a mentor to many in the church and in the community, and was very loved by many.

In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. His goal was to always have corn and tomatoes by the 4th of July. He was also known for being a beekeeper and sharing his honey with friends and family. Duane and Nadine loved to play pinochle and for many years played in a monthly club with friends. Spending time with his grandchildren was his favorite pastime.

Surviving is his wife of 68 years, Nadine Thomas; five children, Stephen (Debbie) Thomas, Deborah (Kirby) Grantham, Diane (Bob) Hirsch, Marjorie (Mike) Tedder and John (Julie) Thomas; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Janet (John) Williams and several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at Cozean Memorial Chapel, 217 W. Columbia St. in Farmington.

Visitation will resume at 9 a.m. Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 608 E. Columbia St., in Farmington, followed by the funeral at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Stephen Constein officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Entrance Fund or the Craig Thomas St. Paul School Scholarship Fund. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.