Gary Douglas Thoma

GARY DOUGLAS THOMA Gary Douglas Thoma "Doug" It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doug, who left us on November 14, 2025, at the age of 58. A devoted father, proud grandfather, loyal fiancé, and protective son and brother. Doug lived a life defined by service, craftsmanship, and unwavering love for his family. Doug was born on June 27, 1967, to Gary and Sharon Thomaa perfect gift on their third wedding anniversary. As a young boy, he was active in Scouts, where his love for adventure and helping others first began to shine. He went on to graduate from Boonville High School in 1985. Doug served the community as a firefighter and worked his way up to Lieutenant at the Columbia Fire Department, where he worked from 1996 until his retirement in 2016. This was a role he embraced with courage, humility, and a steadfast commitment to protecting others. Beyond his work as a firefighter, Doug poured his creativity and skill into his custom trim business, Thoma Custom Trim. He built a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and honest work. His hands built beautiful things, but they also lifted others upthrough mentorship, kindness, and a willingness to help anyone who needed him. In 2024, Doug rediscovered his passion for woodworking through his work with Signature Overhead Door and Remodeling. Returning to the craft he loved brought him renewed purpose and joy, reminding him how much satisfaction he found in building things with his own hands. More than a workplace, Signature became a second family to hima group of people he deeply respected, laughed with, and felt truly connected to. Their support and camaraderie meant the world to him, and he cherished being part of their team. Doug treasured sharing his life with his fiancée, Lori. In her, he found a partner who brought him joy. He often said that loving her made him a better man, and he felt profoundly grateful for the life they were building together. Above all, Doug's greatest joy in life was his daughter, Haley, and his five beloved grandchildren. He spoke of them often and with enormous pride, cherishing every moment spent in their lives. His love for them was the center of his world. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched. He is survived by fiancé, Lori Maddex of New Franklin; daughter, Haley Thoma (Jesse) of Tipton; his bonus daughters, Kathi Maddex of Fayette and Sara Gentry of Boonville; parents, Gary and Sharon Thoma of Boonville; sisters, Gena Campbell (Charles) of Boonville and Ginger Gholson (Jimmy) of Boonville; grandchildren Ruby, Kane, Prynceton, Lou, and Nohble; nieces and nephews Breck, Carson (Zoey), Brady, and Olivia (Andrew). He was preceded in death by his grandparents, uncle, and cousin: Clyde and Wilma Harris, Lawrence and May Pearl Thoma, Ron Thoma, and Ronnie Thoma. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Howard-Millard Funeral Home. A funeral service with Fireman's Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to a fund for his grandchildren, c/o Howard-Millard Funeral Home. Doug's life was a testament to service, love, and craftsmanshipand though we will miss him deeply, we are grateful for every moment we were blessed to share with him. Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, MO 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.