Donald D. Thomas, 83, Bowdle, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Bowdle Hospital, surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 17, 2024 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Bowdle, with Father Michael Griffin, Celebrant. Interment follows at the Church Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Bowdle American Legion Post No. 264 and Taps presented by Don's Great Niece, Josie Thomas.
Visitation commences at Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle, 5 p.m. Wednesday. Wake services are scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Donald Duane, son of Adam and Jennie (Malsom) was born May 31, 1941, at the family farm northeast of Bowdle. He was the third of eight children. He attended country school until the sixth grade and continued his education at Bowdle Public School, graduating with the BHS class of 1960. He helped his parents on the farm and then was drafted into the United States Army in January 1964. He went to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri for Basic Training and then went on to Ft. Ord in California for Advanced Individual Training. He was stationed at Kirshgan, Germany for 18 months as a Specialist E-4.
Donald came home from the Army in January 1966 and helped on the family farm. He met Beatrice Ehnes at Ipswich Trail Days. They married on June 26, 1967 and moved to a farm northeast of Bowdle. From this union they were blessed with three beautiful daughters. They farmed for 44 years and retired in 2010 and moved to Bowdle.
Growing up, he enjoyed riding and working with horses. He was an avid builder and could fix just about anything. Hobbies included reading western books, making frequent trips out to the farm, collecting rocks, and spending time with family. Donald served on the Bowdle Cenex Board, belonged to the Bowdle American Legion and was a member of St. Augustine's Catholic Church.
Donald is survived by Beatrice, his wife of 57 years; three daughters, Connie Thomas and Stacy (Travis) Preszler of Bowdle, and Debra Thomas of Aurora; two grandchildren, Sienna Preszler of Brookings and Noah Preszler of Watertown; six siblings, Bernice Mohr and Vivian Malsam both of Aberdeen, Dolorita (Bruce) Huber, Pauline (Ernie) Mertz, and Norbert (Cathy) Thomas, all from Bowdle, and Sr. Mary Thomas of Sioux Falls; and one sister-in-law, Carol Thomas of Brookings.
Donald was preceded in death by his father, Adam, on November 6, 1993; his mother, Jennie, on February 27, 2010; his brother, Joe Thomas on June 4, 2010; and two brothers-in-law, Ray Mohr and Wilbert Malsam.
Donald's entertaining stories, ability to talk to anyone, great sense of humor, and genuine kindness will be greatly missed.
Casketbearers will be Jason Ellwein of Roscoe; Tim Thomas of Bowdle; Tom Mohr and Melvin Malsam of Aberdeen; Glen Geditz of Sioux Falls; and grandson, Noah.
Pianist will be Margaret Bobby. Lectors will be Don's brother and sister, Norbert and Sister Mary. Offertory gift bearers will be grandchildren, Sienna and Noah. Mass servers will be Isaiah Heilman and Jeremiah Heilman and usher will be Pat Dewald.
Don's funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page. Services are in care of Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle . (www.MillerLien FH.com)
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