Teddy "Ted" Richard Thomas, 78, Freeman, MO, died Sunday, February 25, 2018 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.  Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO with burial in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, MO.  Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice House.

Ted was born September 8, 1939 in Harrisonville, MO, the son of Robert Woodrow and Lillie Mae (Weber) Thomas. He was a 1957 graduate of Freeman High School and was in the U. S. Army Reserves for six years. He was a lifelong resident of Cass County, MO. Ted married Ardeth "Larie" Shipley on April 25, 1959 at the Southfork Baptist Church in Drexel, MO.

Ted worked for Bendix from 1958-1973 and then worked for Yellow Freight for 26 years, retiring October 30, 1998. He was a member of the Teamsters Local #41. Ted was a 53-year member and Past Master in 2004 and 2005, of Grand River Masonic Lodge No. 276 AF&AM, Freeman, MO. He was a member of the Freeman Community Club and the Midway Booster Club.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Larie, on February 17, 2001, an infant daughter, Brenda Jean, and one brother, Billy K. Thomas. He is survived by two sons, Kent Thomas and wife, Sheila, and Greg Thomas and wife, Michele, all of Archie, MO; and four grandchildren, Kelsey Waite (Rance), Kendyl Thomas, Luke Thomas, and Layne Thomas.