Douglas L. Thomas, 82, Atchison, died at his home January 13, 2025. A visitation will be held at Arensberg Pruett Funeral Home on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 5:30-7:00 pm. A private family burial at Mt Vernon Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Atchison area chapter of Ducks Unlimited, and may be left in care of the funeral home.
Doug was born in Atchison, Sept. 28, 1942, to Bernice L. and Albert L. Thomas, Sr. He attended Atchison public schools, graduating in 1960. He joined the US Air Force after high school, serving for 4 years.
Doug married Betty Sue Dettmer on November 26, 1966, at First Christian Church in Atchison. She preceded him in death in 2020.
He worked for TWA, first at the downtown airport and later the overhaul base at Kansas City International Airport, maintaining and later inspecting landing gear for nearly 40 years. He retired in 2002 from American Airlines after their acquisition of TWA.
Doug was a great storyteller and had a joke for every occasion. After retirement, he became a member of a couple coffee clubs, as well as social groups gatherings at Rudolph's and Dillon Tire, where participants frequently solved most of the world's problems.
He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially his great granddaughter, Rylie whether it was reading or playing with figurines, he always found joy in Rylie's smile and laugh.
He was a member of the Atchison River Rods Car Club and active lifetime sponsor of the Atchison area chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Doug was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing most things with a season in a 4-state area. He was a long-time coin collector.
He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Collier, College Park, GA, and Jane Thomas, Kansas City; a son David Thomas (Denise), Atchison; grandchildren Ryan Thomas (Elizabeth), Liberty, MO, Katherine and Chris Collier, College Park, GA, great granddaughter Rylie Thomas, Liberty, MO; honorary son Toby Pennington (Crissy), Atchison, honorary grandson Chandler Pennington (Angelina), Lenexa, KS. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty Sue, his parents, brother Lonnie, and in laws, David and Betty Jane Dettmer.
