Richard Thomas

Richard Lowell Thomas passed away peacefully on, September 8, 2025, at MorningStar Assisted Living in Littleton, Colorado. He was born on February 20, 1937, in Crete, Nebraska.

Lowell was one of the seven children of J. Lawrence and Jennie (Ruby) Thomas. After graduating from Callaway High School in Callaway, Nebraska, in 1954, he began working for the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad the summer of 1955 as a secretary to the vice president.

It was while working at the CB&Q that Lowell met the love of his life, Mary Ann “Marilyn” Tangeman, who also worked for the CB&Q. After a whirlwind eight month courtship, they were married on May 23, 1959, in Ralston, Nebraska. Lowell and Marilyn celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year.

Lowell had numerous passions, but was tremendously devoted to the care of his beautiful lawn and flower beds. Moreover, Lowell had an enormous garden that produced pounds of fresh vegetables every summer, which he shared throughout his Columbine Hills neighborhood.

Lowell was an avid reader, keeping lists of all the novels he completed so as to never find himself rereading a novel he had already read.

Lowell was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Parish for over 50 years.

Lowell was predeceased by his beautiful wife, Marilyn, as well as his parents, J. Lawrence and Jennie Thomas; and his siblings, Evelyn Ellis, Robert Thomas, Ralph Thomas, Geraldine Tompkins, Floyd Thomas, and Harold Thomas.

Lowell is survived by his sister-in-law Agnes Haacke of Ralston, Nebraska; his children: Teresa Robinson, Mary Thomas, Melinda (Jon) Hess, and Paul Thomas, as well as his grandchildren: Joshuah Robinson, Jacoby Thomas, and Bella and Gabriel Hess.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Birthline of Colorado (1244 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80226) or Special Olympics (www.specialolympicsco.org).