Dr. Richard Thames, 82, died Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at his home.
He was born March 6, 1938, in Bentleyville, a son of the late Lucille (Twardek) and John C. Thames.
On July 11, 1959, he married Joyce N. (Mitchell), who survives.
Dr. Thames was a 1956 graduate of Bentleyville High School. After graduating from high school, he worked for the Bell Telephone Company for about a year and a half. He then attended the California State Teachers College and then Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio. Dr. Thames earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Akron. He then earned his doctorate at Kansas State Osteopathic College in Missouri and interned in Cuyahoga Falls in Ohio.
Dr. Thames then came to the Punxsutawney area, where he worked with Dr. Frank Bizousky, Sr. until he started his own practice. He loved working in the emergency rooms and rotated between six hospitals. In the mid-90s, he closed his practice but continued to work in the hospital's emergency room till his retirement in 2007.
Dr. Thames loved God, his family, practicing medicine, fishing, hunting and flying. He was a member of the Elks, NRA, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Charleroi Mountain Club. He also fished as an amateur in PWT.
In addition to his wife, Joyce, Dr. Thames is survived by three children, son Richard Thames, Jr. and wife Leslie of Avella, daughter Michele Villiger and husband Rodney of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and son Cary Thames and wife Kelli of Ann Arbor, Michigan; eight grandchildren, Misty and Alissa Thames, Rebecca, Brady and Reese Villiger, and Neal, Lindsey and Anna Thames; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, John Thames, Jr., Edward Thames, Theresa Selvoski, Donald Thames and an infant sister, Anna Thames.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Dr. Thames on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at 11 a.m., at the One Life Church in Punxsutawney, officiated by Pastor Guy Smith.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions, in memory of Dr. Thames, to the Punxsutawney Area Hospital Patient Care Fund, 81 Hillcrest Dr., Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Punxsutawney Spirit from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Thames

Sponsored by Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. - Punxsutawney.

12 Entries

DARLENE KUBOVCIK SKLINCHAR

December 2, 2020

WE KNEW THE FAMILY VERY WELL FROM CHURCH. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO ALL THE THAMES FAMILY. LOU SKLINCHAR & DARLENE SKLINCHAR KUBOVCIK.

Gwen Walker

November 27, 2020

A Man who will so missed by all who knew him. My sympathy to JOyce , his wife and his entire family. God will guide you all through

Paula Clouser

November 27, 2020

So sorry to hear that Doc had passed., he was a good, good man always full of laughter, and kindness and compassion for his patients. He will be remembered by all who knew him.

Scott Flipse, MD

November 25, 2020

Sorry to hear this news and deepest sympathy to the family.
I worked with Dr Thames at PAH for decades and well remember and appreciate his humor, humanity, competence , and reliability. More than once did he step into the breach for me.

Richard Ingham

November 24, 2020

Deepest sympathies to Joyce and the family at Doc's passing. I always enjoyed talking with him about fishing, flying, & life in general. A wonderful man. I'll miss him.

Michael

November 24, 2020

It’s hard for me to put into words how good a friend Doc Thames Wass we enjoyed many times together fishing hunting etc. God bless Doc sleep well.

Marcie Veitz

November 23, 2020

My thoughts and prayers for Doc's family. I worked in Purchasing at Punxsy Hospital so I did not work closely with him but he always smiled and said hello or good morning when passing in the halls. Sadly not all doctors do that and I remember always admiring his friendly personality. Back in the day you could call to see which dr was on call prior to going to the ER and I was more willing to go when he was working because he was a knowledgeable and caring doctor that put me at ease.

Deanna Mack

November 23, 2020

i am so sorry to hear about Dr. Thames passing. It was a pleasure working with him. He was the best boss I ever had. He also had a great sense of humor. Sending prayers to Joyce and his family.

Ahrens Clinic

November 23, 2020

Dr. Richard- you give us a beautiful, talented, dedicated co-worker and for that we are forever grateful.

Linda Stanley

November 23, 2020

So sad to hear of Uncle Richie. You always were smiling when we saw you. His laugh had a little bit of devilishness in it . Could always make you smile. You knew he loved you and cared about you. Too few times together. Remembering the Thanksgiving and Christmas family dinners at Grams. Making sure we signed the same table cloth each year. Our prayers go out to Aunt Joyce, cousins Ricky,Michelle Cary and all the family. You will be missed Uncle Rich love you Linda (Selvoski) and Damon Stanley

Billie Sue Weaver

November 23, 2020

I worked for Dr Thames for many years. It was a pleasure to know and work for him. Keeping family in prayer

Elizabeth Means, Pittsburgh

November 23, 2020

I worked at the hospital business office for several years and was his patient starting when he came to town until he closed his practice. He was a good and caring doctor with a wonderful sense of humor. He was kind and always found the "upside" to every problem. He always had time to sit and talk if I needed him to. It was a pleasure knowing him. My sympathy to Mrs. Thames and the family.

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