Billy K. Thomas, 78, Harrisonville, Missouri, died Sunday, February 2, 2014 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 6 at the United Methodist Church in Harrisonville with burial in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 5 at the church with Masonic services at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Cass Masonic Lodge #147 or to the Harrisonville United Methodist Church.

Billy was born September 27, 1935 in West Line, Missouri, the son of Robert Woodrow and Lillie Mae (Weber) Thomas. He was a 1953 graduate of Freeman High School where he played basketball and softball. Billy married Virginia Lee Hammonds on June 18, 1955 at the home of Rev. Joe Brewster in Harrisonville. He was a lifelong resident of Cass County. He was a member of Teamsters Local #41 for 38 years, retiring from Yellow Freight in 1994.

Billy was a member of the United Methodist Church in Harrisonville, the Snell Gun Club, member and Past Master, in 1970, of Cass Masonic Lodge #147, Harrisonville and the York Rite Bodies. He was the District Deputy Grand Lecturer for the 34th Masonic District from 1979-1984.

Billy loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending many days at Truman Lake. His sons were definitely all for the hunting and fishing and Billy remarked many times how fortunate he was for such great boys.


Billy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of the home; two sons, Keith (Teresa) Thomas, Creighton, Missouri and Kevin (Jennifer) Thomas, Harrisonville, Missouri; one brother, Ted Thomas, Freeman, Missouri; five grandchildren, Jason (Stephanie) Thomas, Justin (Abbey) Thomas, Jeremy (Amber) Thomas, Sarah Thomas and Julia Thomas; five great-grandchildren, Ethan, Evan, Jagger, Gavin and Gunner; two step-great-grandchildren, Jayden and Jet; nieces and nephews. Grandsons and granddaughters were the sunshine in his life and brought many smiles to him after retirement.