Dale R. "Moose" Thomas
November 24, 2011
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Service Details
Dale R. “Moose” Thomas, 80 died on November 24, 2011, at Kavanagh House on 56th Street.
Dale was born September 3, 1931, to Charlie and Janie Thomas on the family farm in Lucas County, Iowa. He graduated from Corydon High School in 1949. From 1954 until his retirement, he was active in the home building industry in the Des Moines area. He was a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, serving as President in 1978. Dale was a member of the Waukee United Methodist Church.
Dale was well known as a very dedicated and knowledgeable person in the construction industry. He loved being outdoors, and enjoyed working in his vegetable and flower gardens. His family and friends will remember his sense of humor, strong work ethics and devotion to family.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Glen, three nephews and his mother-in-law, his father-in-law, Margaret and Ardys Smalley.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley; his son Rick (Diana Kinsey) Thomas of Ankeny; his daughter, Sheri L. Thomas of Park City, UT; granddaughter Heather (Matt) Therkelsen of Omaha; grandsons, Nathan and William Kinsey of Ankeny; four great grandchildren, Brant, Ashlyn, Adyson, and Teagan Therkelsen. Also surviving are four sisters, Pearl (Wilbur) Kooyman of Huxley; Opal (Eldon) Cowles of Leon; Bonnie (Lee) Roy and Theobelle (Jake Goode) Ross of Des Moines; and one brother, Alvin (Peggy) Thomas of Brookwood, AL; many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
The family thanks the Kavanagh House for their care and kindness to both Dale and Shirley.
Services will be held Monday, November 28, 2011, at the Waukee United Methodist Church at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be at Waukee United Methodist Church on Sunday November 27, 2011, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Memorials may be made to Kavanagh House, 2910 Westown Pkwy, Suite 200, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Joie Hand and Bill Fischer
11/28/2011
We remember Moose fondly from the days when he created our first gravel lane to the wonderful stone work he installed in our culverts. He always had a kind word and an easy smile each time we met. He was a blessing in our lives. We hope your memories sustain you through the days of your grieving. Joie Hand and Bill Fischer
Kent & Lou Ann Sandburg
11/28/2011
Shirley & Family
While you may not remember us, we will always remember Dale. We first meet Dale in 1978 when he and Gary Ryun had Bilt-Rite Homes. We built/lived at the bottom of the hill on Lincoln Aveneu when you lived up the street on NW 99th Court. Our bid from Bilt-Rite did not include any retaining wall work, which we said we would do. We were young and stupid and didn't have a clue as to how hard of work it would be to do this. However, Dale took us under his wing and helped us get started placing railroad ties. We had no idea that it would take almost 100 ties to terrace that lot. Dale was patient with us and we got the job done and those retaining walls are still standing.
When we built our second home, Dale was also involved. Marean Homes subbed the excavation work to Dale. However, this time we subbed the retaining wall work out, since we were older and smarter. We would also see Dale driving around with his truck with a Cat or backhoe tied on the back doing what he did best - making the water flow where it needed to go.
We always enjoyed visiting with Dale and he was one of kind. You have our deepest sympathies in this time of sorrow. God Bless you and your family.
Kent & Lou Ann Sandburg
Clive, IA
Joy Cole
11/27/2011
Shirley, I was so sad to hear of Dale's passing. I will always remember him as one of my favorite presidents of the Des Moines HBA. Here is a poem by Ron Tenmer which I hope brings you comfort in your time of need:
"We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again."
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
Lovingly, Joy Cole
Michael Cohen
11/26/2011
My heart felt condolences to the whole Thomas Family on their loss of Dale. He had a great life and family. His passing while very sad was due and without suffering. Love to all.