Terry Thomas Obituary
His funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Rev. Tim Fugman will officiate.
Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery with full military honors.
Visitation will be 1-8 p.m. Monday, with the family present from 5-7 p.m., at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield.
Terrance was born Oct. 4, 1943, in Redfield to Clifford and Lucille (Wagner) Thomas. He grew up in the Rockham area and graduated from Redfield High School in 1961. He attended South Dakota State University in Brookings and Black Hills College in Spearfish before entering the U.S. Navy. Terry served three tours in the Navy during the Vietnam War as a gunner on a river boat.
After his discharge, he married Donna Whitley on April 17, 1971, in Redfield. Terry started working in the cable television business, and his company would later be known as Thomas Communications. Terry built, owned and operated cable systems throughout the United States, including South Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. He also raised cattle and ranched in the Redfield and Zell areas.
Terry was an avid gun collector and enjoyed hunting and trap shooting. He also flew his own airplane and had numerous collectible vehicles.
He was a lifetime member of the Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92 and Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755. He was a member of the Shriners, Masonic Lodge and the First Congregational United Church of Christ. He was past president of the South Dakota Cable Association.
Terry is survived by his wife, Donna of Redfield; four sons: Paul (Della) Whitley of Redfield and their children: Josie and Gracie; Jay (Dawn) Whitley of Redfield and their children: Austin, Conner and Lexy; Wade (Beth) Thomas of Sioux Falls, S.D., and their children: Wyatt and Terran; and Travis and his son, Jakob of Redfield. He is also survived by his mother, Lucille Thomas of Redfield; his sister, Pam Schmidt of Redfield; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; an infant brother; his brother-in-law, Russel “Buzzy” Schmidt; and his dog, Molly.
thelenfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jim Steele
June 1, 2009
I went to grade school and high school with Terry. We grew up less than a mile apart. I have lots of good memories of the good times we had on the farm.
Bill Davis
June 1, 2009
To Donna and Family
Terry was a great auctioneer because he could talk anyone into anything. He had a wonderful personality. He will be missed. May his strength always live within.
Bill Davis
Pete Thoresen
June 1, 2009
Thinking of Terry always brings me a smile. While I'm sad that I won't see him again - he will always continue to make me smile, and that memory will live on.
My prayers to Donna and family.
June 1, 2009
Donna and Family
Im so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. My hat is off in his memories.
Tony Gauer
TSB Communications
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spencer carlson
June 1, 2009
I was very sad to hear the news. My thoughts are with you.
June 1, 2009
My most sincere sympathy goes out to Donna and the Thomas Family. Terry was a very honored, respected and beloved person in the Cable TV industry who will be missed dearly.
Rick Countryman
DF Countryman Company
Mike Richardson
June 1, 2009
Terry was truly a pioneer in the cable business. He was nothing short of a legend! His way of doing things will certainly be missed as well as his sense of humor and feelings for others.
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