Photo courtesy of Cochran Mortuary & Crematory - Wichita
Wichita, Kansas
Nov 4, 1961 – Oct 9, 2024
Obituary for
Dr. Bruce Wayne Thomas, D.O.
Bruce Wayne Thomas was born on November 4, 1961 to Bill Wayne and Agnus (Roscoe) Thomas at the U.S. Air Force Base in Plattsburgh, New York. Bruce was raised on a farm in Newkirk, Oklahoma. After high school, he received his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University and then graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Thomas served a one-year internship at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Chicago, IL and completed his surgical residency at Memorial Hospital in York, PA. He completed his Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, OH.
Dr. Thomas held board certifications in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. He was a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons and a Diplomate of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. He served as clinical assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. Dr. Thomas was a member of the medical staff at both Wesley Medical Center and Via Christi Ascension hospitals. He practiced general and trauma surgery and surgical critical care for almost 30 years. He served as an executive member of the trauma committees and practiced with Kansas Surgical Consultants. He was also a member of multiple professional associations.
Dr. Thomas took part in medical missionary events overseas. His life’s work was also dedicated to advancing improvements in medicine through multiple research projects, both locally and nationally.
Bruce spent his leisure time at his Oklahoma farm with his animals and beloved dogs.
Dr. Thomas peacefully passed on October 9, 2024 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by three cousins in upstate New York.
He loved people, his animals, his farm and his country. He will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the:
Bruce Thomas Irrevocable Trust,
or to
Hospitals of Hope.
9745 East 50th Street North
Bel Aire, Kansas 67226
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Bruce was a profound influence on my life in youth group. Shared time and lunch with me regularly. Great man and servant of God! RJ
ronald testerman
October 24, 2024 | Norman, OK | Friend
Dr Bruce Thomas was a wonderful person and a wonderful surgeon! He will be deeply missed by the entire community as well as all the hospitals! He always remembered this group at Christmas time and we will miss that! Thank you for everything Dr Thomas!! From all of us the Wesley Medical Center Operators!!
Marlene Wilcox
October 24, 2024 | WICHITA,KS, KS | Coworker
I worked with Dr. Thomas when he was a physician at Surgical Specialist. He was extremely compassionate and helped me through a very hard time, after my husband passed away at an early age.
Bruce was extremely intelligent and quirky in his conversations. He then shared his knowledge about so many things.
Bruce was a simple man and gave most of his earnings to charities that helped the world and children. He lived very frugally and often said, " I don't need that much to...
Sharon Morrison
October 20, 2024 | McPherson, KS | Friend
I was a Case Manager for the Trauma Physicians at St. Francis for several years, and worked often with Dr. Thomas. I admired his compassion for the patients, and his skills as a physician. Am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family.
Morghan Chambers
October 17, 2024 | Wichita, KS | Coworker
What a fine man. I had the pleasure of being in a work atmosphere with Dr Thomas for many years at Wesley. Plus, in my need he was my Trauma Dr.
Peggy Taylor-Honer
October 16, 2024 | Wichita, KS | Coworker
