Paul Thomas

    Paul Thomas, age 71, of Wanblee, S.D., died on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, at his home near Wanblee.
    Paul E. Thomas was born May 16, 1945, in Kadoka, the son of Alfred Raymond and Myrtle (Cayler) Thomas.
    He grew up on his parents’ ranch west of Wanblee and attended Garner Rural School before attending Kadoka High School. After graduating from Kadoka High School in 1963, he then attended and graduated from Black Hills State College in Spearfish. He then taught in the Garner Rural School for two years.
    Paul was united in marriage to Linda Lange in 1967. They made their home in his grandparents’ ranch west of Wanblee.
    Paul served in the U.S. Army from June 24, 1970, until January 4, 1972. After his discharge, he returned to the ranch where he continued to reside and operate until his death. He also worked as a state brand inspector for 40 years, retiring in 2015.
    Paul was a member of the American Legion Post #240 of Martin, the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge of Kadoka, the South Dakota Stockgrowers and the Presbyterian Church of Kadoka.
    Survivors include a brother, Terry Thomas and his wife, Brenda, of Interior; one sister, Nancy Peterson and her husband, Buster, of Kadoka; seven nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
    Paul was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
    Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka.
     Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.
     Interment with military honors by American Legion Post 240 of Martin will be held at the Kadoka Cemetery.
     Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Kadoka.